To treat seasonal allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and watery eyes, doctors traditionally prescribe medicines such as Claritin or loratadine. They are also effective treatments for hives, and other anti-histamine uses, such as the reduction of inflammation. These medications used to be available only by prescription, but are now available over the counter instead. Claritin or loratadine are effective at their relief of allergy symptoms in short periods of time, and rarely cause drowsiness. Unfortunately, however, Claritin is believed to cause hair loss in some individuals. Although this may sound like a serious side effect, it is not permanent, and the hair loss will stop if they stop taking the drug.

Typically, Claritin induced hair loss is not extensive, and provides little or no cause for alarm. When considering the advantages and disadvantages of taking Claritin or loratadine to treat allergies, most people find that the relief they receive from their seasonal allergies to be of far greater benefit than the less significant potential for hair loss.

Virtually every drug on the market has some side effects in some people. Legally, pharmaceutical companies are required to list all the possible side effects so that the public understands their risks in taking the medication. However, the number of people who experience many of these side effects is often very small. This is where trust in one's doctor becomes the critical factor. It is the physician's job to analyze the patient's condition and select the medication that will do the best job with the fewest side effects for that particular patient. It is also the patient's job to monitor how they feel when taking the medication and give their doctor useful feedback.

Be sure to discuss Claritin or loratadine with your doctor, including but not limited to the possibility of hair loss. Beginning any new treatment requires you to educate yourself thoroughly. If your doctor cannot answer all your questions be sure to read the packaging carefully including the fine print. Your pharmacist can aso serve as a wealth of information about your medications. And don't forget to use the internet for supplemental knowledge.