A 42-year-old member asked:
With allergy drugs such as astemizole, how about claritin (loratadine)?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Suresh Anandanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Claritin (loratadine) vs Hismanal: Astemizole (hismanal) was a popular, non sedating, once a day antihistamine for allergy symptoms like runny, itchy nose, itchy eyes, sneezing etc. In some people, however it caused abnormal heart rhythm . So it was taken off the market. Seldane was another antihistamine with similar side effect. Claritin, (loratadine) Allegra and zyrtec are relatively safe.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Astemizole not sold: Astemizole is off the market as it caused arrythmias (irregular heart beats). Cetirizine is currently the most effective 2nd generation, non-sedating antihistamine available, as effective as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 25 mg, 1 tab 3-4x/day. It can be purchased over the counter and 300-365 tabs are available from discount retailers like bj's and costco for under $18.00.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 39-year-old member asked:
With allergy drugs such as astemizole can I take claritin (loratadine)?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Stevan Cordasanswered
Internal Medicine 59 years experience
Combine astemizole: Generally you don't need to but occasionally you can safely combine them for flareups.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
With allergy drugs such as astemizole or terfenadine, how about taking claritin (loratadine)?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Randall Wonganswered
Ophthalmology 35 years experience
Depends: Astemizole is not available in the U.S.
The other two are now over the counter medications for seasonal allergies.
Consult your doc if you think you have seasonal allergies.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 5, 2016
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