Favorite Molecule: Loratadine

I chose Loratadine as my favorite molecule because this past Spring my allergies hit me like never before.  Claratin, or the cheaper, CVS version, was the only antihistamine that seemed to hinder my allergies.  Claratin is the most popular, well-known brand of Loratadine tablets.  Loratadine acts as an antagonist to the H1 receptor, which limits the effects of histamine, the substance that causes the allergic reactions.

Loratadine was developed by Schering-Plough, who were attempting to produce the first ever non-drowsy allergy medication (antihistamine).  However, before they could get it approved, the FDA had already developed Seldane, a non-drowsy antihistamine produced by Schering-Plough's rival company.  Therefore, Loratadine was not as big of hit on the market as hoped.  However, in 1993, it was eventually approved by the FDA.  It was available only by prescription while under patent. The patent ran out in 2002 and it became available over the counter, drastically dropping the price.  This in turn made Laratadine more popular with the general public.

Specifically, Loratadine offers relief from symptoms of hay fever and hives in both the eyes and nose. It generally acts 1-2 hours after ingestion of the pill However, people with liver disorders are warned to start with a lower than recommended dose.

IUPAC Name: Ethyl 4-(8-chloro-5,6-dihydro-11H-benzol[5,6]cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyridin-11-ylidene)-1-                             piperidinecarboxylate



Holdcroft, C. (1993). "Terfenadine, astemizole and loratadine: Second generation antihistamines". The Nurse practitioner 18 (11): 13–14.

Hall, Stephen S. (2001-03-11). "The Claritin Effect; Prescription for Profit". The New York Times. Retrieved 2013 August 28.

Jasek, W, ed. (2007). Austria-Codex (in German) 1 (2007/2008 ed.). Vienna: Österreichischer Apothekerverlag. pp. 1768–71.