For Loratadine products labelled for individuals aged 12 years and older, what is the schedule classification?

Loratadine products labeled for individuals aged 12 years and older are classified as Unscheduled. This means that these products can be sold without a prescription and do not require the supervision of a pharmacist at the point of sale. The rationale behind this classification lies in loratadine's established safety profile and its effectiveness as an antihistamine for treating allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria in adults and older children.

Unscheduled medications are generally deemed safe for use by the general public with proper guidance on usage found on the packaging. This makes it easily accessible for consumers who may need it for allergy relief without requiring a consultation with a healthcare provider each time.

Other classifications, such as Schedule 1, would indicate that a prescription is needed, while Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 involve varying degrees of pharmacist intervention or supervision. However, loratadine's low-risk nature allows it to be available unscheduled, promoting ease of access for those in need.