South Dakota Medication Aide Practice Test

Claritin (loratadine) and Allegra (fexofenadine) are both medications that belong to the class of drugs known as antihistamines. Antihistamines are primarily used to alleviate allergy symptoms by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. When the body encounters an allergen, histamine is released, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and more. By inhibiting histamine's effects, antihistamines help to provide relief from these symptoms.

The efficacy of Claritin and Allegra comes from their ability to provide relief from seasonal allergies and other types of allergic reactions. These medications are often favored because they are less likely to cause sedation compared to first-generation antihistamines.

Understanding the drug classification helps in recognizing the specific uses of each medication and assists in making informed decisions regarding allergy treatments.