Loratadine in the treatment of urticaria

Urticaria is a common skin disease, which, in its chronic form, is a very disturbing condition. Because histamine is the best-documented chemical mediator of urticaria, histamine(1)-antagonists are the mainstay of therapy. First-generation antihistamines are limited by their tendency to produce sedation and anticholinergic side effects. Most of the newer second-generation antihistamines compare well with the earlier agents in efficacy but are not limited by the same adverse side effects. Loratadine may be distinguished from other second-generation antihistamines by its pharmacodynamic profile, as well as its tolerability and safety.