What Is Loratadine and Pseudoephedrine Sulfate Used For?

Loratadine and pseudoephedrine sulfate uses are primarily focused on the treatment of nasal allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, itchy nose or throat, and sneezing. However, the medication can also be used to help relieve nasal congestion due to the common cold. Loratadine and pseudoephedrine sulfate is approved for use in both adults and children 12 years old and over.

 

What Is Loratadine and Pseudoephedrine Sulfate Used For? -- An Overview

Loratadine and pseudoephedrine sulfate (Claritin-D®) is a non-prescription medication approved to treat allergies in adults and children as young as 12 years old. The drug contains two different medications: an antihistamine (loratadine) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine). Loratadine and pseudoephedrine sulfate is approved to treat the following allergy symptoms:
 
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Itchy nose or throat
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Nasal congestion.
     
Because it contains a decongestant, loratadine and pseudoephedrine sulfate is also approved to treat nasal congestion due to the common cold.
 

Why Is Loratadine and Pseudoephedrine Sulfate Used for Allergies?

Allergies are the immune system's specific reaction to normally harmless substances, such as pollens, certain foods, or medicines. Allergies can either be seasonal or perennial. Seasonal allergies (such as hay fever) occur at specific times of the year, while perennial allergies can occur throughout the year. Allergies can affect various parts of the body, and allergy symptoms are particularly common in the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.
 
Combined with strategies to minimize a person's contact with allergens, allergy treatment can make life bearable for even the worst allergy sufferer. Treatment often includes allergy shots or medications. Loratadine and pseudoephedrine sulfate is a particularly useful allergy medicine, as it usually does not cause drowsiness, unlike many other non-prescription allergy products.
 
(What Is Loratadine and Pseudoephedrine Sulfate Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;