Question 62

Loratadine is an antihistamine.

Loratadine is classified as an antihistamine, which means it is primarily used to relieve allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine in the body.

A) decongestant

A decongestant is a type of medication that relieves nasal congestion typically associated with colds or allergies by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages. Loratadine does not function in this way; instead, it specifically targets histamine receptors to alleviate allergic reactions.

B) antihistamine

As an antihistamine, Loratadine works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. This makes it effective for treating allergies and is the reason it is the correct answer.

C) vasodilator

A vasodilator is a medication that relaxes and widens blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure and increase blood flow. Loratadine does not have this property and is not used for cardiovascular conditions, making this option incorrect.

D) antidepressant

An antidepressant is a medication used to treat depressive disorders by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain. Loratadine does not have any antidepressant properties and is not prescribed for this purpose, thus invalidating this option.

Conclusion

Loratadine is definitively an antihistamine, as it is specifically designed to counteract allergic reactions by blocking histamine. The other options—decongestant, vasodilator, and antidepressant—do not accurately describe Loratadine's mechanism of action or primary use, making them incorrect choices.