Loratidine (Claritin) is best described as which type of drug?

Loratidine (Claritin) is best described as which type of drug?

• A. Decongestant
• B. Antihistamine
• C. Expectorant
• D. Bronchodilator

Answer: (B)

Loratadine is an antihistamine because it blocks histamine H1 receptors, preventing histamine from triggering typical allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. It’s a second‑generation antihistamine, designed to minimize sedation, so it often has fewer CNS side effects than older antihistamines. It is not a decongestant (which relieves nasal congestion by vasoconstriction), not an expectorant (which helps loosen mucus), and not a bronchodilator (which opens airways). So its primary action and use align with being an antihistamine.

Loratadine is an antihistamine because it blocks histamine H1 receptors, preventing histamine from triggering typical allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. It’s a second‑generation antihistamine, designed to minimize sedation, so it often has fewer CNS side effects than older antihistamines. It is not a decongestant (which relieves nasal congestion by vasoconstriction), not an expectorant (which helps loosen mucus), and not a bronchodilator (which opens airways). So its primary action and use align with being an antihistamine.