What is "loratadine"

n. An antihistamine drug used to treat allergy

Loratadine is a second-generation peripheral histamine H-receptor blocker used to treat allergies. In structure, it is closely related to tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine, and is distantly related to the atypical antipsychotic quetiapine.

Loratadine was discovered in 1981 and came to market in 1993. It is on the World Health Organization's Model List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system. It is available as a generic drug and is marketed for its nonsedating properties. There is a version combined with pseudoephedrine, a decongestant; known as pseudoephedrine/loratadine.