Claritin (loratadine)
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  • Reduces day and night itching
  • >50% of patients respond positively
  • Less drowsiness than other antihistamines (5% vs 40%)
  • Mild drowsiness in small number of patients
  • Safe to use with other treatments like topical steroids
How well does Claritin work?
Claritin is below average for atopic dermatitis "Over-the-Counter Medicines" treatments.
What is the evidence behind Claritin?
Loratadine can help reduce itching (pruritus) in people with atopic dermatitis, both during the day and night. More than half of patients showed positive response to the treatment.
What does the research say?
Study Summary

Loratadine significantly reduced itching (pruritus) in patients with atopic dermatitis compared to placebo, both during day and night. At least 9 out of 16 patients responded positively to the treatment.

Therapeutic effect of loratadine on pruritus in patients with atopic dermatitis. A multi-crossover-designed study
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 16
Results
Majority of patients (at least 56%) responded positively to loratadine treatment

Study Summary

Loratadine was found to be as effective as hydroxyzine in treating atopic dermatitis symptoms, reducing symptoms by 57%. Importantly, loratadine caused much less drowsiness than hydroxyzine, with only one patient reporting sleepiness compared to eight patients on hydroxyzine.

Relative efficacy and safety of loratadine, hydroxyzine, and placebo in chronic idiopathic urticaria and atopic dermatitis
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 41
Severity: not available
Age: 18-65
Results
Loratadine showed better symptom reduction than both hydroxyzine and placebo

What are other patients saying?
Loratadine is as effective as hydroxyzine (another antihistamine) for treating symptoms, but causes much less drowsiness. Only 5% of patients on loratadine reported feeling sleepy compared to 40% of those taking hydroxyzine.
What does the research say?
Study Summary

Loratadine was found to be as effective as hydroxyzine in treating atopic dermatitis symptoms, reducing symptoms by 57%. Importantly, loratadine caused much less drowsiness than hydroxyzine, with only one patient reporting sleepiness compared to eight patients on hydroxyzine.

Relative efficacy and safety of loratadine, hydroxyzine, and placebo in chronic idiopathic urticaria and atopic dermatitis
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 41
Severity: not available
Age: 18-65
Results
Loratadine showed better symptom reduction than both hydroxyzine and placebo

What are other patients saying?
When used alongside strong topical steroids (like mometasone cream), loratadine may not provide additional benefits, though it remains safe to use with no serious side effects.
What does the research say?
Study Summary

The study found that adding loratadine (an antihistamine) to mometasone cream treatment did not provide additional benefits for children with atopic dermatitis. The mometasone cream alone was very effective in treating the condition.

Therapeutic efficacy and safety of loratadine syrup in childhood atopic dermatitis treated with mometasone furoate 0.1 per cent cream
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 48
Severity: not available
Age: mean age 73.67 months (approximately 6 years)
Results
Both groups showed significant improvement, with no difference between loratadine and placebo groups (p = 0.99)

What are other patients saying?
A newer version of loratadine (desloratadine) combined with other medications may be effective for treating eczema and reducing inflammation.
What does the research say?
Study Summary

The combination of desloratadine citrate and compound glycyrrhizin was more effective in treating subacute eczema compared to compound glycyrrhizin alone. The combination therapy showed lower inflammation markers and fewer side effects.

Desloratadine citrate combined with compound glycyrrhizin in the treatment of subacute eczema: A randomized trial
Study Type
Randomized Controlled Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 100
Severity: subacute
Age: not available
Results
The combination therapy was more effective in reducing inflammation

What are other patients saying?
Is Claritin Right For Me?
What is Claritin?
Loratadine is an antihistamine medication that helps relieve allergy symptoms. It's available over-the-counter and is commonly known by brand names like Claritin.
What are the requirements for taking Claritin?
Claritin might be right for you if:
  • You are 6 years or older

  • You have allergy symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, or sneezing

  • You need relief from itching related to atopic dermatitis

How does Claritin work?
Loratadine works by blocking histamine, a natural substance your body makes during an allergic reaction. By blocking histamine, it helps reduce symptoms like itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
Is it safe for children?
Safe for children 6 years and older at recommended doses. For children under 6 years, consult a doctor before use.
Is it safe for elderly patients?
Safe for elderly patients. No special dosing adjustments are needed based on age alone, but patients with liver or kidney problems should consult their doctor first.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
Generally considered safe during pregnancy (Category B), but you should always consult your healthcare provider before use.
Is it safe during breastfeeding?
Loratadine passes into breast milk in small amounts. While it's generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before use.