Claritin as the quick-relief of allergic symptoms was developed by the Schering-Plough HealthCare Products Inc., USA. In 1993 the medication was originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; and nowadays, Claritin belongs to the most widely prescribed, widely used and, definitely, widely advertised medications against different types of allergies.

 

Since the date of the original approval, Schering-Plough Corporation developed a whole family of Claritin products, containing prescription and over-the-counter medications, options for children and adults, and, of course, different formulations targeted at specific allergic conditions. Of course, the development of such a broad spectrum of Claritin products, all of which, in fact, contain the same active ingredient, was driven not only by purely pharmaceutical and medical goals, but by marketing strategy as well. Nevertheless, now the range of Claritin products is wide enough to offer practically every patient a particular Claritin formulation, which would suit him and treat his allergic condition in the best way.

 

The core of all Claritin products is a chemical substance, called loratadine, which is the main active ingredient of Claritin. By the way, loratadine is now available in generic form along with the branded Claritin products. Anyway, loratadine belongs to the group of antihistamine medications. The medication helps to treat allergic symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes and nose. The point is that all of those symptoms are caused by the release of histamine in the human organism, but once loratadine is taken, it blocks the release of histamine and thus reduces the symptoms of allergic reaction.

 

One of the most specifically emphasized features of all Claritin products is that they do not cause drowsiness, which is the common side effect among the anti-allergic medications.

 

So, what do we have among the Claritin products? First of all, it is important to note that all the Claritin products are divided into those, designed for adults and those, which could be taken by children.

 

The range of adult Claritin products includes Claritin Tablets, Claritin D Tablets and Claritin RediTabs. Claritin Tablets is the most general version of loratadine – it is designed to provide an effective all-day long protection against allergic symptoms. Claritin RediTabs is the option for those who require quick and effective remedy for allergy. It is promoted as the fastest-dissolving medication of its class. One does not even need to take a glass of water – Claritin RediTabs pill dissolves by itself once it is taken and starts working while other medications would just start their journey to the human stomach. By the way, Claritin RediTabs are also available for children 6 years of age and older.

 

Claritin D is another interesting representative of Claritin Family. The key feature of this medication is that it has its main ingredient loratadine combined with another medication, called pseudoephedrine, which works as the decongestant. For patients it means that Claritin D works effectively to relieve nasal congestion and sinus pressure. By the way, more detailed description of Claritin D can be found in the article “Allegra D, Zyrtec D and Claritin D: What does “D” mean?” at Pillwatch.com.

 

Since allergies are pretty common among children, guys at Schering-Plough HealthCare Products Inc. decided to develop a range of Claritin Products, specifically designed for kid patients. Children’s Claritin Grape Flavoured Syrup and Children’s Claritin Fruit Flavoured Syrup can be used for treating allergic symptoms even in 2 years-old kids.

These products contain no alcohol, sugar or chemical dye – so, they can be safely used in children. In addition to syrups, Claritin goes in the form of Chewables – children tablets for chewing.

 

So, Claritin products is the family of allergy-relief medications, the safety of which was proved by many doctors and medical authorities and its effectiveness was glorified by many off-line and on-line advertisements.

 

Nick