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Loratadine and Hives

Loratadine is a medication most commonly used to treat seasonal allergies; however, it is also very effective in treating hives. Hives can be caused by a number of environmental factors, including allergies and stress.

  1. Function

    • Loratadine is not a preventative medication; it is prescribed once symptoms have manifested. It is normally used to treat the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies and the itching and redness caused by hives.

    Function

    • Histamines react to allergens in the bloodstreams. Loratadine acts as an antihistamine and blocks histamines from causing allergic reactions.

    Types

    • Loratadine is available in different forms. It can be taken as a liquid syrup, a pill or a tablet that dissolves on the tongue. Loratadine is normally taken once a day.

    Benefits

    • Loratadine is a fast-acting medication that can help reduce the itching caused by hives within a day, although the entire prescription should be taken as recommended by a doctor for it to be totally effective.

    Considerations

    • Loratadine should not be used by individuals who have kidney or liver disease, are nursing an infant or are allergic to loratadine. Loratadine can be found in some over-the-counter allergen medications as well.

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