What is the brand name for Loratadine?
The brand name for Loratadine is Claritin.
PTCB TOP 200 · #105
Loratadine
Claritin
Loratadine is the generic name for the brand-name drug Claritin. It is an antihistamine (2nd generation) used to treat allergies. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Loratadine ranks #105 and is one of the most frequently tested respiratory/allergy medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Loratadine |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Claritin |
| Drug class | Antihistamine (2nd generation) |
| Class group | Respiratory/Allergy |
| Common use | allergies |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Over-the-counter (OTC) |
What is Loratadine used for?
Second‑generation antihistamine used for allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria (hives).
What drug class is Loratadine?
Loratadine is an Antihistamine (2nd generation) in the Respiratory/Allergy group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Loratadine
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightDry mouth
- arrow_rightFatigue
- arrow_rightSleepiness (usually mild)
- arrow_rightNausea
Major interactions
- arrow_rightKetoconazole, erythromycin, or cimetidine can increase loratadine levels (usually not clinically significant)
- arrow_rightAlcohol/sedatives may add drowsiness in sensitive patients
Is Loratadine a controlled substance?
No. Loratadine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Loratadine (PTCE mnemonic)
CLARI-tin keeps it CLEAR — lorata-DINE is the LEAST-sedating 2nd-gen H1 (vs Zyrtec). Once-daily, no anticholinergic SEs; hepatic clearance.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Loratadine is a low-sedation second-generation antihistamine — contrast with drowsy first-generation diphenhydramine. Claritin-D adds pseudoephedrine, which brings the PSE logbook rules.
Loratadine FAQ
What is Loratadine used for?
Loratadine is used to treat allergies. Second‑generation antihistamine used for allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria (hives).
What drug class is Loratadine?
Loratadine is an Antihistamine (2nd generation) (Respiratory/Allergy group).
Is Loratadine a controlled substance?
No. Loratadine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Study guides that cover Loratadine
Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.
Drug suffix cheat sheetthe suffix that gives away this drug's class
How to memorize the Top 200 drugsa method for locking in brand↔generic pairs
LASA (look-alike/sound-alike) drugsthe name pairs most often mixed up
Sig codes cheat sheetthe abbreviations on this drug's labelSee all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.
Drill Loratadine the way the PTCE asks it
RxReflex turns the Top 200 drugs into fast flashcard rounds, a guided Learn path, pharmacy math, and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Related drugs in the Respiratory/Allergy group
Written and reviewed by the RxReflex Content Team. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).