Loratadine is a drug used to treat allergies. It is marketed
by Schering-Plough under several trade names such as ClaritinŽ,
ClaritynŽ or ClaratyneŽ depending on the market, by Lek as
Lomilan and by Wyeth as Alavert. It is also available as a
generic. In the U.S. and UK loratadine is the only drug of its
class available over the counter.
Its active metabolite, desloratadine, is also on the market,
though can only be purchased over-the-counter in Canada.
In Claritin-D, it is combined with pseudoephedrine, a
decongestant; the combination is somewhat useful for colds as
well as allergies, but adds a potential side-effect of insomnia.
DESCRIPTION
Loratadine is a white to off-white powder not soluble in water,
but very soluble in acetone, alcohol, and chloroform. It has a
molecular weight of 382.89, and empirical formula of
C22H23ClN2O2; its chemical name is
ethyl4-(8-chloro-5,6-dihydro-11H-benzo[5,6]cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyridin-11-ylidene)-1-
piperidinecarboxylate and has the following structural formula:
Claritin tablets contain 10 mg micronized loratadine, an
antihistamine, to be administered orally. They also contain the
following inactive ingredients: Corn starch, lactose, and
magnesium stearate.
Claritin syrup contains 1 mg/ml micronized loratadine, an
antihistamine, to be administered orally. It also contains the
following inactive ingredients: Citric acid, artificial flavor,
glycerin, propylene glycol, sodium benzoate, sugar, and water.
The pH is between 2.5 and 3.1.
|
bravenet.com
