Final answer:
For a patient with chronic urticaria not adequately managed by loratadine, adding a second antihistamine may help. This combined treatment approach can target different histamine receptors, potentially providing better symptom control. If this strategy fails, consulting a healthcare professional or a dermatologist is advised.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient with chronic urticaria is already on loratadine (Claritin) and still experiencing hives, one advisable step is to add a second antihistamine. This can enhance the treatment effectiveness by providing a broader range of action against the histamine receptors. It's known that antihistamines are often used for treating mild to severe allergy symptoms because they reduce or eliminate the effects of the histamines causing these symptoms.
For chronic cases or those not adequately managed by a single antihistamine, it can be beneficial to use a combination therapy that includes other classes of medication such as H₁-antihistamines or H₂-antihistamines. Consulting a healthcare professional for recommendations on which additional antihistamine to use or other treatment adjustments is crucial for optimal care. If symptoms are not controlled by the combination of antihistamines, then referral to a specialist, such as a dermatologist, may be necessary for further evaluation and management.