USES: This medication is an antihistamine that treats symptoms such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from  hay fever  and other allergies. It is also used to relieve itching from hives. Loratadine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a serious allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis). Therefore, if your doctor has prescribed epinephrine to treat allergic reactions, always carry your epinephrine injector with you.