Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Loratadine is a long-acting antihistamine that is
used for the treatment of allergy. Histamine is a chemical that causes many
signs and symptoms of allergy. Histamine is released from histamine-storing
cells (mast cells) and attaches to other cells that have receptors for histamine
on their surfaces. Histamine stimulates the cells to release chemicals that
produce effects that we associate with allergy. Loratadine blocks one type of
histamine receptor (the H1 receptor) and thus prevents activation of cells with
H1 receptors by histamine. Unlike some antihistamines, loratadine does not enter
the brain from the blood and, therefore, does not cause drowsiness when taken at
recommended doses. The FDA approved loratadine in April 1993.
STORAGE: Tablets should be stored between 2°-30°C (36°-86°F), and syrup should
be stored between 2°-25°C (36°-77°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Loratadine is used for the relief of nasal and non-nasal
symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis. It is also used to treat patients with
chronic urticaria, a type of allergic skin rash.
DOSING: The usual dose of loratadine is 10 mg daily for adults and children
older than six years of age.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:Erythromycin, cimetidine (Tagamet), and ketoconazole
(Nizoral) increase the
blood concentration of loratadine by inhibiting the elimination of loratadine.
This may result in increased adverse events from loratadine.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of loratadine in pregnant women.
Loratidine should be used during pregnancy only if it is clearly needed.
NURSING MOTHERS: Loratadine is secreted in breast milk at levels similar to
blood levels. Nursing mothers should decide whether to stop
breastfeeding or
discontinue loratadine.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common adverse events with loratadine are headache,
drowsiness, fatigue and dry mouth.
Hives, also called urticaria, is a raised, itchy area of skin that is usually a sign of an
allergic reaction. The allergy may be to food or medications, but usually the
cause of the allergy (the allergen) is unknown.
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Eye allergy (or allergic eye disease) are typically associated with hay fever and atopic dermatitis. Medications and cosmetics may cause eye allergies. Allergic eye conditions include allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctivitis with atopic dermatitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Dry eye, tear-duct obstruction, and conjunctivitis due to infection are frequently confused with eye allergies. Eye allergies may be treated with topical antihistamines, decongestants, topical mast-cell stabilizers, topical antiinflammatory drugs, systemic medications, and allergy shots.
Pityriasis rosea is a rash that begins with a large pink patch with well-defined scaly borders on the back, chest, or neck. In one to two weeks, the person will develop many smaller pink patches on his or her trunk, arms, and legs. Symptoms include mild itching and possible sore throat, fatigue, nausea, aching, and decreased appetite. Pityriasis rosea typically resolves on its own and symptoms may be treated with topical steroid creams and oral antihistamines.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
Hives (medically known as urticaria) appear on the skin as wheals which are red, very itchy, smoothly elevated areas of skin often with a blanched center. They appear in varying shapes and sizes, from a few millimeters to several inches in diameter anywhere on the body.
It is estimated that 20% of all people will develop urticaria at some point in their lives. Hives are more common in women than in men. One hallmark of hives is their tendency to change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours. Individual hives usually last no longer than 24 hours. An outbreak that looks impressive, even alarming, first thing in the morning can be completely gone by noon, only to be back in full force later in the day. Very few, if any other skin diseases occur and then resolve so rapidly. Therefore, even if you have no evidence of hives to show the doctor ...
Allergy RSS
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the