Schering-Plough's nondrowsy antihistamine

Claritin has garnered more than $1 billion in U.S. sales since it was granted OTC status more than two years ago, the firm said.

Sales of the popular drug once stood at $3 billion a year. Following its launch in December 2002, Claritin (loratadine) became the No. 1 OTC antihistamine in total sales and has remained in that position to date, the firm said. The drug also remains among the top three OTC drugs sold in the U.S., it added.

Schering-Plough noted that it has turned more products Rx-to-OTC than any other pharmaceutical company. The firm has switched at least a half-dozen drugs to OTC status. "These are valuable consumer businesses that, when managed correctly, may continue to generate strong levels of sales and profits," said Stan Barshay, chairman of Schering-Plough Healthcare Products.