Doctors commonly use Claritin (loratadine) for sneezing, itching, a drippy nose, eyes that are watering, and other seasonal allergic symptoms. This medication can now be purchased at your local drugstore and you don't need a prescription. It will reduce the amount of histamines in the blood stream, thus treating effectively the hives and inflammation caused by the histamines that are present. This medication is not known to cause drowsiness; however, it can cause hair loss in some cases. In case of this occurrence, stop taking the Claritin (loratadine) medication and the hair loss will stop.

Generally the hair loss brought on by Claritin is minimal and there is no reason to be overly concerned. Most people who take Claritin or loratadine to treat their allergies find that the benefits that they receive from it far outweigh the possibility of hair loss, making it well worth the minimal risk.

Every drug or medication has the potential for harmful side effects, particularly if used inappropriately. Concern for potential side effects should not automatically dissuade the person who is suffering from allergies from trying Claritin or loratadine. Consult with your physician before beginning Claritin, loratadine, or any other medication. Self-medication is not advised because of the increased risk of unforeseen complications, untoward side effects, and interactions with other foods, medicines, or over the counter remedies. Not all side effects of this, or any other medication, manifest immediately, so it can be very difficult for the layman to know whether or not a recent health-related problem is related to the intake of a particular drug or medication.

Any prescription medication has a variety of possible side effects, and a variety of likely side effects. Make sure that the discussion with your physician, or other healthcare prescriber, about Claritin or loratadine includes discussion of side effects other than just the potential for hair loss. Additionally, it is wise to read the package insert for warnings and dosage instructions, and if questions remain, to consult your physician or pharmacist again.