Pseudoephedrine/loratadine

Pseudoephedrine/loratadine

Combination of
Pseudoephedrine	Sympathomimetic
Loratadine	H1 antagonist
Clinical data
Trade names	Claritin-D, others
AHFS/Drugs.com	claritin-d
Routes of administration	By mouth
ATC code	R01BA52 (WHO)
Legal status
Legal status	US: OTC[1]
Identifiers
CAS Number	156098-07-6
(verify)

Pseudoephedrine/loratadine, sold under the brand name Claritin-D among others, is an orally administered combination medication used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and the common cold.^[1] Pseudoephedrine, one of the naturally occurring alkaloids of ephedra, is a sympathomimetic used as a decongestant.^{[medical citation needed]} It produces a decongestant effect that is facilitated by the vasoconstriction in the mucosal capillaries of the upper respiratory areas.^{[medical citation needed]} Loratadine is a long-acting antihistamine (H₁ histamine antagonist) that is less sedating than older substances of its type.^{[medical citation needed]}

In 2022, it was the 289th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 500,000 prescriptions.^[2][3]

Medical uses

Pseudoephedrine/loratadine are indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis and the common cold including nasal congestion, sneezing, rhinorrhea, pruritus, and lacrimation.^[1][4]

Composition

Clarinase Repetabs

A Clarinase Repetab tablet contains 5 mg loratadine in the tablet coating and 120 mg pseudoephedrine sulfate equally distributed between the tablet coating and the barrier-coated core. The two active components in the coating are quickly liberated; release of pseudoephedrine in the core is delayed for several hours.

Interactions, adverse effects and contraindications

Interactions, adverse effects and contraindications are described in more detail in the articles about pseudoephedrine and loratadine.

Interactions

When sympathomimetics are given to patients receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors), hypertensive reactions, including hypertensive crises may occur.

Adverse effects

During controlled clinical studies with the recommended dosage, the incidence of adverse effects was comparable to that of placebo, with the exception of insomnia and dry mouth, both of which were commonly reported.

Contraindications

Pseudoephedrine/loratadine is contraindicated in people receiving MAO inhibitor therapy or within 14 days of discontinuing such treatment and in people with narrow angle glaucoma, urinary retention, severe hypertension, severe coronary artery disease and hyperthyroidism.

Society and culture

Brand names

It is sold under various brand names including Claritin-D, Clarinase, Clarinase Repetabs, Lorinase, Rhinos SR, and Allerclear-D.

References

1. "Claritin-D 12 hour- loratadine and pseudoephedrine sulfate tablet, extended release". DailyMed. 30 November 2023. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
2. "The Top 300 of 2022". ClinCalc. Archived from the original on 30 August 2024. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
3. "Loratadine; Pseudoephedrine Drug Usage Statistics, United States, 2013 - 2022". ClinCalc. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
4. Haberfeld H, ed. (2009). Austria-Codex (in German) (2009/2010 ed.). Vienna: Österreichischer Apothekerverlag. Clarinase 5 mg/120 mg Retardtabletten. ISBN 978-3-85200-196-8.