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Article: FDA approves over-the-counter status for the antihistamine claritin. (Allergic Rhinitis).
- Article from:
- OB GYN News
- Article date:
- January 1, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 International Medical News Group. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The Food and Drug Administration has approved a change to over-the-counter status for the antihistamine Claritin (loratadine) for treatment of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Manufactured by Schering-Plough, the antihistamine was slated to become available to consumers in mid-December 2002 at about the same time that the company's patent on Claritin expired.
"By making it easier to get this widely used drug, today's action will enable many people to get less-sedating, effective relief for their allergy symptoms more quickly and at a lower cost," FDA Commissioner Mark B. McClellan said in a statement.
Claritin is the first nonsedating ...