FDA has approved Claritin (loratadine) as an over-the-counter (OTC) allergy drug product. Previously available only as a prescription drug, Claritin is approved for seasonal allergic rhinitis -- a condition that causes runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy nose, throat, eyes, and ears.
Generic for Claritin. This eMedTV article tells you what you need to know about the generic versions of Claritin. It explains the difference between generic prescription and non-prescription drugs, and lists the strengths of generic Claritin, as well as some manufacturers.
The idea of pregnancy can be scary for women who take antihistamines daily. The reason that it’s scary to become pregnant when you rely on these drugs to help with allergies, hives, or asthma is because it’s commonly suggested that you stop taking them while pregnant. Claritin is a very popular drug; in fact it was the most widely marketed and prescribed antihistamine during the late 1990’s and is still among the most popular since it is now sold over the counter. The popularity of the drug means that many women were taking Claritin when they became pregnant, and this inspired debate and accusation that Claritin actually causes birth defects.
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