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Common Allergy Medication May Be Effective In Starving and Killing the Bacteria That Causes Lyme Disease According to New Study

Study Offers Insights Into Metabolic Activity of Borrelia burgdorferi and May Lead to First Targeted Therapy for Lyme Disease

Portola Valley, CA — A new study funded by the Bay Area Lyme Foundation and conducted by Stanford School of Medicine researchers shows that loratadine, which is a common antihistamine frequently taken to treat allergy symptoms, may be able to help kill Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria associated with Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a potentially debilitating condition with 300,000 new cases in the US each year. The study was published in the Open Access publication Drug Design, Development and Therapy.

“Our results bring us closer to the possibility of discovering the first targeted therapy to treat Lyme disease,” says Jayakumar Rajadas, PhD, Director, Biomaterials and Advanced Drug Delivery Lab (BioADD), Stanford School of Medicine, and lead author of the study. “It’s exciting to see first-hand that our insights into the metabolic activity of this elusive bacteria may give us the ability to actually kill it.”

The results of this new laboratory study show that loratadine (trade name: Claritin®) and specifically its metabolite, desloratadine, are able to prevent manganese (Mn) from entering the cell wall of the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, starving the bacteria and causing it to die in test tubes. The antihistamine accomplishes this by inhibiting the bacteria’s transport system, BmtA (Borrelia metal transporter A).

Manganese is required for certain metabolic processes of Borrelia burgdorferi and also plays an important role in numerous biological processes in the human body. Previous research shows that, in general, bacteria scavenge the body for trace metals that circulate in the blood and have developed special adaptations on their cell walls to internalize these metals. These adaptations are called transport proteins, and BmtA is the specialized transport protein for Borrelia burgdorferi. BmtA binds with manganese to bring it into the bacteria, and studies have shown that BmtA and manganese are required to make the bacteria harmful to the human body.[i]

“Because current treatments do not work for everyone and the bacteria that causes Lyme disease offers many treatment challenges, this study offers encouraging insights for researchers, and hope for the 80 million Americans at risk of getting Lyme disease,” Bonnie Crater, founder and Science Committee Chairperson, Bay Area Lyme Foundation, the leading private funder of innovative Lyme disease research in the US. “We are grateful to the BioADD team for their commitment to finding solutions to this difficult disease.”

Currently, patients with Lyme disease are typically prescribed a 2–4 week course of antibiotics, but approximately 10 to 20% of patients treated with this regimen will have lingering symptoms of fatigue, pain, or joint and muscle aches[ii].

About Lyme Disease

Increasing in threat due to rising prevalence across the US, Lyme disease is a potentially debilitating infection caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of an infected tick to people and pets. If caught early, most cases of Lyme disease can be effectively treated, but it is commonly misdiagnosed due to lack of awareness and unreliable diagnostic tests. There are about 300,000 new cases of Lyme disease each year, 10 times more than previously reported, according to statistics released in 2013 by the CDC. As a result of the difficulty in diagnosing and treating Lyme disease, as many as one million Americans may be suffering from the impact of its debilitating long-term symptoms and complications, according to Bay Area Lyme Foundation estimates.

About Bay Area Lyme Foundation

Bay Area Lyme Foundation, a national nonprofit organization committed to making Lyme disease easy to diagnose and simple to cure, is the leading funder of innovative Lyme disease research in the US.  A national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Silicon Valley, the Foundation collaborates with world-class scientists and institutions to accelerate medical breakthroughs for Lyme disease. It is also dedicated to providing reliable, fact-based information so that prevention and the importance of early treatment are common knowledge. For more information about Lyme disease or to get involved, visit www.bayarealyme.org or call us at 650-530-2439.

To access the publication, click here.

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[i] Ouyang Z. et. al.: A manganese transporter, BB0219 (BmtA), is required for virulence by the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2009 Mar 3;106(9):3449-54. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19218460

[ii] Wormser G.P., et. al..: Duration of antibiotic therapy for early Lyme disease. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ann Intern Med, 2003 May 6;138(9):697-704. http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/postLDS/

130 Comments on “Common Allergy Medication May Be Effective In Starving and Killing the Bacteria That Causes Lyme Disease

  1. I am on a lymphatic cleanse and stumbled upon Claritin d on accident. I have been pleased with the results and am now starting to read the research. Honestly after years of suffering and none of my Doctors believing except for my holistic Dr. I think I am starting to find relief. Worth a try:)

  2. whoah this blog is great i love reading your posts.
    Keep up the great work! You already know, many people are hunting around for this info, you could help them greatly.

  3. I read that Lymphatonic drops, professional strength, may help because bacteria hides in lymph system. I’ll try anything so I’ll start this tomorrow as soon as it arrives. Potassium helps me with RA. Google, please. I’m also doing celery juice after reading The Medical Medium by Anthony William. I also take lots of other supplements. I take Brewers Yeast because it prevents cysts for me. I discovered this about forty years ago. I also do D3 and Nascent Iodine, 12 drops The Detoxadine. I drink 100% grape juice about two glasses a day with half water because it dehydrates but it does help. Best wishes, to all.

    1. My heart goes out to those suffering! What many are dealing with pains me! Here’s my very brief story and to bring hope! I have had chronic Lyme with 4 coinfections of Lyme. I was misdiagnosed for many years. Had false negative basic ELISA blood results. Tested + with Western Blot. Tried western medicine antibiotics, but they didn’t work. Almost passed out with Doxy. I tried hyperbaric oxygen therapy, but my anxiety would peak being in confined chamber. I saw a Lyme literate doctor years back, but I couldn’t handle his protocol. I tried the Cowden protocol and diet. I lost way too much weight and had severe depression on it. I was then led to a chiro/holistic doctor who uses resonance frequency testing, which is completely painless with immediate, very accurate results! It matched right up with my more detailed blood work ordered by my Lyme literate doctor previously. I did the DesBio holistic treatment. I still have Bartonella to kill.

      I used to be bedridden for over 6 months. I also couldn’t drive for over two years. I still have some days where I have slight vertigo or just need to lay low, due to stress/adrenal fatigue, but it’s so much less compared to where I was 4 and 5 years ago. That’s when I know I need to be more consistent with my plant-based supplements, shake and more D3. In March 2017, I was led to a health and wellness company from a friend of mine. She was also battling severe Lyme and was having amazing results on their supplements, without breaking her bank account. It’s a faith-based, non-gmo, mostly plant-based company that focuses on GUT health! “All disease begins in the gut.”

      I’ve learned so much on my healing from Lyme journey, even more since I’ve become a health and wellness advocate. Because I was infected with Lyme when I was pregnant for my 2 children, they were infected in utero, and it has helped my kids too. It has also helped my mom who has Lyme, my dad, one of my brothers, friends and more! God has instilled such a passion in me to help others struggling and to share, share, share!

      I share because it has helped my friend, myself, my mom, etc. and so many others battling Lyme! Friends, we are bio individuals, meaning what may work for one person may not work for another. However, absolutely NO one has to suffer and it’s a matter of trial and error, tweaking and customizing supplements, dosages, etc. until you notice beneficial results. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

      The healing process is not fun in the beginning, due to herxheimer/die off reactions of flu-like symptoms, cold symptoms, etc., but PLEASE remember this is good because it means what you’re taking/doing is working. These [treatments] have changed our lives! Please feel free to find me on FB – Amy Ouellette, and send me a private message! I’m more than happy to help! God Bless! ❤️

  4. A word about Biofilm and Lyme: Sseveral bacteria & other microbes use especially the GI-tract to create biofilm, see it as a kind of village where the criminals hide out and help each other. There are ways to destroy the biofilm. The African slaves, their medicine man and woman had ways of removing excessive mucus out of the body. They would refer to it as “cold” and the herbal concoctions they made as “cold medicine.” Also in ayurveda they have herbal meds for that…. it’s all about cleaning the GI -tract. I dont know of the results of the ayurvedic meds but I know people using the the African mixture for cold and boy when they went to the loo it freaked them out what came out but they felt a lot better afterwards.

  5. Dr H shared a protocol for Lyme and it included this:

    15. Desloratadine 20 mg daily (each tablet is 5mg; four tablets daily has been studied to be a safe dose for long term use for people with chronic hives as an example). This is an antihistamine originally branded as Aerius. The side-effect profile for 20 mg daily is identical to 5 mg daily. It is now generically available in Canada.

    1. Hello, I’m in Calgary where Dr H is. No one can see him now, he is booked 2-plus years. I have had some good experiences with areus, does not make me drowsy like other antihistamines. Do you have a link to this study? thanks.

  6. Just please be careful with cinnamon, one kind has data for causing cancer yet another kind is supposedly fine. I don’t know myself but please look into that. Please search “turmeric cause cancer” too. Thought it was good, but read one thing saying otherwise, maybe it was incorrect.

    1. Who pays for scientific research, you think??? And who benefits most of diseases? And then….. tell me are you really going to listen to what these people say? Rather, look if herbs have been used for hundreds of years by indigenous people and try some and listen to your inner voice guiding you. Don’t fall for the feartrap. Everything has the ability to kill you, even life itself slowly kills you and me and us all. Our bodies are different from each; other one man’s med is another’s poison. Medicine and doctors are the third leading cause of death after cancer and cardiovascular disease. So give the village shaman some cred.

    2. Regarding cinnamon, the one grown in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) is the good one. The Cassia cinnamon usually from China has a dangerous amount of coumarin that is connected to breathing problems, liver damage, lung, kidney and liver cancers.

  7. Jeff Folb – Can you please tell us what Lyme-N is? You mention it three times in this post. I tried to do a google search and nothing comes up. Thanks.

    1. Thank you for the question. Over a dozen (already FDA-approved) candidate drugs like desloratadine have been shown to have similar effect in combination with antibiotics in vitro. However, we do not know if those effects are confirmed in humans and we are currently evaluating next steps for this program. It would be best to discuss any anecdotal insights and proposed therapies with your health care provider. Thank you and best wishes.

  8. Kaempherol, Apigenin, Iodine and Vitamin D3 can kill Borrelia. It can take 2-3 months to kill the entire bacteria load.

    1. Fred, did it work for you ? I have Lyme symptoms for 5 years now. Ten months on antibiotics and no improvement…….. also taking low dose naltraxone, NAC, keffir, kombucha, turmeric and strong pro biotics. It’s difficult to kill. And advice is appreciated. Dave H

    2. Where did you get your information? Can you site any studies, give specific research, clinical trials, etc? What is the recommended dosage of each?

    3. Have you all tried Intravenous, High dose Vitamin C? I am about to treat a chronic Lyme patient with high dose Vitamin C for a 6-day trial of infusion therapy. Curious as to your experiences and/or stories. 🙂

      If anyone wants to look into the therapy, or hear the outcome of our treatment first, please feel free to call or text (225) 286-4360, or email pwalasers@gmail.com. Look us up on FB as well. I’m really hopeful that the high dose C will help, as only 5-10 grams began to help this lady feel great for a few days at a time. 🙂

    4. Fred,
      I see your post from March, but what if you’ve had this bacteria for many many years and no one diagnosed you with it in those previous years, would those same treatments work? And if so, how much longer would it take versus someone that had acquired this bacteria recently? Are these items proven to effectively work without the bacteria staying in the body?

    5. Hi Dave,

      Using only antibiotics cannot cure Lyme disease (Borrelia) because Borrelia is a motile gram-negative pathogen and can move freely, thus evading the toxic antibiotic loads. Plus Borrelia can sense the antibiotics and then can change location(s) quite easily thus evading the antibiotics toxic effect. Borrelia is quite sensitive to Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Iodine (kelp), Carvacrol (oregano), Cinnamon Bark, Clove Bud, Amoxicillin, Penicillin VK, Zithromax, Minocycline, Cefoperazone, Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone, Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Gemifloxacin, High Heat (104F). If you want to cure the Borrelia infection you should take heat baths for at least 3 to 4 hours, plus herbal antibiotics. Borrelia is quite sensitive to Raw Honey, Royal Jelly, Quercertin (red onions), Grape seed extract and Grapefruit seed extract. You should use extracellular and intracellular antibiotics and use cyst busters and biofilm busters, because borrelia can form cysts and biofilms in an effort to survive the antibiotic attacks.

    6. I was on Zithromax for 4 years. Was told by ID Dr. I would never be okay. I was not diagnosed for 2 years. I’ve been sick for 14 years. I even had a triple bypass. (Can not be in temps over 80*.) Taking Cat’s Claw, Oregano, Cinn, Clove and Tumeric has made my life better.

    7. Hi Fred. Can you elaborate. What dose? Recommended place of purchase. Thanks!!

  9. I’ve had Lyme disease for about 2 1/2 yrs,n antibiotics did nothing for me. Can anyone tell me how to get rid of this or help slow it down with OTC medicine?

    1. If you want to cure Lyme disease, you should start eating raw red onions, navel oranges, raw garlic, probiotic yogurt, cinnamon bark, raw figs and raw honey. You can add to your everyday diet red grapes with the skin and green or black teas few times a day.

  10. I realize Allegra has been making me feel better. I don’t know but that’s what sent me here. I have Lyme disease as well. I haven’t had IV antibiotics or any preferential treatments. I just had doxycycline but have not been healed from it. Even the inflammation has reduced to a point I don’t have as many flare-ups. Since I’ve been taking Allegra.

  11. I’m wondering what parts per were used. Would it be what a daily dose would be for an adult or is the dosage so much it would kill or hurt the person taking it?

    1. The clinical study we hope to field will evaluate specific dosages and treatment regimens, however the approach is to leverage or “repurpose” existing FDA-approved over-the-counter compounds within their FDA-mandated prescription limits. Perhaps equally exciting, continuing research has led to the identification of over a dozen additional (also already FDA-approved) candidate drugs which have been shown to have similar effect in combination with antibiotics. We hope to evaluate several of the most promising combinations in a future clinical study. More information can be found on the Combination Therapy page. You may also subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates directly.

    2. The original laboratory study saw a decline in bacteria viability over the course of a few days (96 hours) and potent borreliacidal activity shortly thereafter, but all tests were in vitro and at unsustainable concentrations. The work since has focused on modified derivatives and combinations that exhibit the same or better effect at considerably lower concentrations. There is anecdotal patient data that has been shared individually here and elsewhere but it is critical to conduct a FDA-approved clinical study in order to evaluate dosages and treatment regimens and to understand the timeline of impact. In the interim, we advise you to always speak with your doctor about any treatment protocols.

  12. Hallo,

    Thank you so much for the information provided. Any clinical trial yet ? I am interested.
    Thank you in advance!

    Gianna

    1. Hi Gianna, Please see our Combination Therapy page for the latest updates on the treatment and the progress toward a full research study. Unfortunately the path is quite complex but we have made significant progress and the portfolio of compounds being considered has expanded, which will be beneficial for individual clinical assessment and treatment. You may also wish to sign up for our newsletter to receive updates directly. Best wishes!

    1. Joel, Thank you for the question. The work toward finding a reliable solution continues. The complexity of building a rigorous scientific study in the absence of an accurate diagnostic test makes the task inordinately difficult but we continue to make progress and have also expanded the universe of candidate drugs (in addition to Claritin) that will be evaluated as part of the protocol. Please see here for more updates about the treatment approach and the latest Clinical Trial Summit. We will continue to update the community as there are more developments. You can also subscribe to our email list to receive updates directly. Best wishes.

  13. I have lost everything and everyone I care about thanks to this illness. IF I cannot be cured this year, I wont be able to win back my fiance. My perception of time and memory of it is ruined from Lyme and the last year felt like less than 2 months which is why I did not know I was alienating all my friends and family and those I love most. Now I have just one year to fix things or shut down and end my life.

    Suffering this constant unending burning pain all over, sinusitis, thrush-like bacterial infections and ulcers in my lungs, throat, mouth, and sinuses that make swallowing difficult and my mouth burn. Brain fog, dizziness, lake of memory, exhaustion, and inability to eat anything with carbs or sugar is all my life is now. I am alone and will die without care eventually as I already lost 25 pounds in the last year thanks to this illness. I have nothing left to lose and everything to gain from slowly ratcheting up a Claritin regimen until I build up tolerance at each successive tier. I will find out how to kill this infection or I will die trying because either way without trying, I will be dead soon anyways.

    I have nothing left to lose so I can help create a way to increase the effectiveness of treatment or create one combination cure all together if I am lucky and manage to succeed. Keep in mind, I am not suicidal, I want to live more than anything. I really do have nothing left to lose so it cannot harm me to try since it is already killing me.

    My postulation is that antibiotics, with potentiators like cinnamon oil and DMSO and Claritin could be the key to a cure with what is currently in existence. I can cross-reference and add to the list of things anything that won’t have a negative cross-reaction or interferes with liver metabolism of other substances.

    1. My name is Kim del Valle Walker and I hear you! I’m really struggling too and looking for a cure! Please feel free to message me on FB. It’s the best way to get a hold of me.

    2. I am where you are. In a very bad place. I totally understand when you say that you are not suicidal. I have had thoughts and ideas because I feel like I have no worth anymore here. But then I always hope that things will turn around. Unfortunately it seems things just keep compounding for me. But I keep trying and plugging along and praying. But those people who did not stay by your side are not worthy. My family, my boyfriend,and friends alike have all let me down greatly. Some still stick around and try to help but then there are a lot of times where I feel slapped in the face.

      I pray for you-us all. I pray that we can get through it and if there is still a productive happy future waiting ahead.

    3. Did you try the salt vitamin c protocol? 2 teaspoons of seasalt and 10 1000 mg vitamin c’s. Try to split it to 4 times per day dissolve salt in water

    4. I am a lymie too, am taking colloidal silver, amoxicillin, beta glucans, garlic tablets recently, and last nite started on claritin 10 mg once daily only, and some food supplements. I hope and pray to overcome this illness. Deep body massage might help to bring out the hiding spirochetes and have them excreted through urination. I hope this info may benefit those who read this.

    5. Hang in there ! I am going through the same and it took me 18 months to figure out it was Lyme.
      I’ve had good luck using gse, samento, garlic , monolaurin, and cutting out sugar, and staying low but not too low on carbs. I’m not cure but improved greatly.
      I use stevia with the gse which also kills Lyme. Thc as well. Complete lifestyle change. Today as I write this I’m having one of those lay on the couch all day, days. But it’s the first I’ve had in couple of months.
      Those people you are losing, they need to be lost if you ask me.

    6. Hi, I’m really sorry that you are suffering. I also hope that you read this, as I feel you should see a Naturopath doctor. He/she will be able to heal you from the inside out. This starts with the foods you are eating. It all starts there. I, too, was suffering years ago and saw a Naturopath. He put me on an herbal regimen and I also changed my entire diet. Everything was plant based. I mean EVERYTHING. It healed my body on the inside, no more flares, less inflammation.. I take coconut oil everyday for the brain fog and a banana in the morning. Please do your research as there is so much you can do to cure yourself. Many people who take antibiotics still suffer, so it really is up to you to take control. You can do it!! Use the foods God gave us! They are here for a reason! And cut out as much sugar as you can because Lyme feeds off of sugar. Sending blessings and prayers of healing your way!

    7. I would suggest everyone with chronic Lyme disease to try the herbs recommended by Steven Buhner:

      – Japanese Knotweed (powder)
      – Cats Claw (powder)
      – Andrographis (powder)

      as well as:

      – Houttuynia (powder)
      – Sida Acuta (tincture)
      – Alchornea Cordifolia (tincture)
      – Cryptolepis (tincture)

      The above include herbs for/against Borrelia as well as herbs for the most common co-infections. I would reccommend treating for most of the major co-infections (like babesia, bartonella and mycoplasma) since I read lots of experiences from people who treat for years and they can’t go past a certain point simply because of not adressing co-infections.

      For those with money issues: The above treatment can be done relatively cheap. The herbs can just be bought in bulk and be put into capsules and you can even make your own tinctures.

      I went undiagnosed for 15 years and after almost 6 months on the above herbs I am getting my life back.

      Keep fighting everyone!

    8. I had to quit eating All meat and dairy to get relief. 100% vegan, must read everything you put into your body. Gelatin is from animals that is in Jelly, gummies and so many other things. Tried to stay away from carbs, sugar and ect… Doing WAY BETTER NOW, Vegan. What do you have to lose try it for a few months? https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha-gal_allergy

    9. From 1 horribly sick and sad girl to another, I feel the same. I’ve been suffering for about 27 years. Several Lyme disease tests came out negative. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 25 years ago and have gone dr to dr searching for some relief. I ended my marriage because my husband didn’t understand all my pain and depression. My two grown girls are so sick of me being sick. I hardly see them cause they’re off living their happy lives. Now I’m reading that all these years I’ve been getting so sick I want to die….is because the Lyme tests aren’t accurate.

    10. I hope you are doing better, I’m watching my husband die from this too. We’re being lied to. In the UK there are no Lyme and co infection doctors, why not?

      My husband is 6 foot 2, and down to an emaciated 7 stone, actually he’s less now, he’s on feeding tubes but reacting to peg feeding badly. He’s got migraines, body pain, can’t breathe (Babesia?). He’s wasting away. He used to be a gardener, he’s now unable to get out of bed. I’m watching him dying, his face is contorted, he’s suicidal because he feels like he’s being poisoned. It’s no joke, this is worse than AIDS!
      I hope you get well.

      I’m at point where I’m crying full knowing a funeral is near, his brother already died, collapsed in street from this, Babesia caused a stomach bleed, doctor ignored it when he said he was coughing up blood. Of course it never said Babesia on the autopsy but he went skinny and couldn’t breathe either.Their father has just had a stroke and clots removed. My hubby has a lung infection too and heart attack at 36! There’s no hope and no treatment you are left to die in the UK. I know it’s Lyme / co infections but can’t prove it. I’ve spent 5 years reading up every twisted symptom.

      Kindest thoughts and healing wished.

    11. My hubby started getting unwell and balance issues were the first thing I remember seeing. He had a heart attack next. Now he’s very sick. Bed bound last 4 years. Mast cell activation happens !!! Important!! Mast cell activation syndrome must be considered in anyone very unwell. Lyme causes mast cells to over react.

  14. Want to hear something interesting? Jewelers and potters listen up! I had to stop pottery and jewelry-making because the white fireproof blocks used in the kilns and soldering stations are made out of manganese, which I found out releases manganese gas, which is much way more bio-available for bacteria than the manganese you get through diet. A possible low-grade infection, plus toxic mold from the pottery studio, plus the manganese gas made my health plummet. Through my two-year search of trying to find out what was wrong with my health, I came across a story of a woman who did pottery in her home and how it made her sick she had suspected the manganese gas had something to do with it. Smart lady.

    1. Hi Devon, I suspect that you don’t have this right. Refractory materials are largely magnesite, not manganese. In fact, manufacturers go to great lengths to make sure there is NO manganese in the compound as manganese (and iron) cause premature failure of the refractory material. Secondly, refractory materials are chosen because of their resistance to gassification. If there is a gaseous component causing problems, it is most unlikely to be coming from the refractory.

  15. I was just diagnosed with Lyme disease this week, will any of these medications help me…I have had this since 2009, just started the antibiotics for a month?

    1. I am afraid Bay Area Lyme is not a clinical organization and can not comment on individual cases or treatments. We would advise you to speak with your doctor and/or consult the ILADS directory for a physician referral. We wish you the best of health!!

  16. CC won’t do anything, trust me.. I went there too and it was a waste of money .. we need an update on when we can expect the trial to begin., any word?

    1. We empathize strongly. The Bay Area Lyme-funded Clinical Trial is still in development and a large number of researchers convened at a summit just a few weeks ago to expand on the scope and protocols of this study. An update will be published soon. Unfortunately with a study of this nature there are a lot of administrative hurdles to go through before the study can commence. Thank you for your interest and your patience. There is more information on the Clinical Trial page, including how you can register to be considered for this study.

    1. Hi Ronald, Loratadine (and desloratadine) are considered “second generation antihistamines,” and generally believed to not cross the blood-brain barrier or impact the central nervous system, particularly at manufacturer-recommended doses. However, there does seem to be some evidence of dose-related CNS effects at higher levels (see article in the British Medical Journal here) and these medicines can cause a wide range of lesser symptoms including headaches, sleepiness or drowsiness, fatigue, nervousness, stomach pain, diarrhea, dry mouth, sore throat, eye redness, blurred vision, nosebleeds, or rashes. In addition, other infections — including Lyme — can weaken the barrier, increasing the probability of certain types of molecules permeating. Do talk to your doctor about any medications before starting treatment.

      http://www.bmj.com/rapid-response/2011/10/28/all-sedating-and-non-sedating-antihistamines-cross-blood-brain-barrier

    2. It solved hand and foot pain in 1 month for a friend of mine and steadily after cleared her mind! I’m taking 2-3 per day starting yesterday. I’m thinking it’s worth a try. She heard this from a leading LD Dr from Columbia, Mo

  17. My Dr. put me on Claritin a year and a half ago when I felt creeping signs of relapse, as I have had Lyme for about 35 years. Around horses in the NE we have lots of ticks. Since taking the Claritin, all symptoms disappeared and I have felt fine. I try and keep very healthy with several supplements like Olive leaf extract (anti viral/bacterial), multi, Ashwagandha (strengthen immune) and CoQ10. I am 69 yrs old. I have had two bad relapses over the years and had to go on Doxy for 6 weeks. Don’t ignore symptons, they just get worse!! My Dr. said just say on Claritin.

    1. Dear Jacqueline, I was just diagnosed with chronic late stage Lyme by Dr from the Cleveland Clinic (“CDC” approved however they will not treat it as an institution). My story reads like most, but add Toxic Mold and then leaving our home of 31 years and it sent my body over the edge. I am currently beginning treatment, mostly to correct vitamin & mineral deficiency plus gut support, from Functional Medicine (Cleveland Clinic) and doxycycline from my family doctor. I would be very grateful if you could share the dosage of Claritin and times you take it. I need to get this under control. I’m 57 years old time is not on my side. God Bless and much thanks!

  18. Is the loratadine being studied/used to combat the coinfections of lyme as well? Bartonella, mycoplasma, etc.? Have you seen any results with loratadine on these coinfections?

    1. Hi Danielle, Thank you for the comment. Loratadine was shown to block the activity of BmtA. BmtA is a metal transporter protein which transports manganese from the environment (the tick, animal reservoir, or the human) to the inside of the bacteria, hence its promise for combatting Lyme. Because most bacteria use iron and not manganese, BmtA is not found in other bacteria (and other co-infections) and thus loratadine would not likely be of help in fighting other co infections.

  19. I have been diagnosed positive for Lyme disease four (4) separate times and given Doxycycline for various lengths each time. Besides a couple of bullseyes, great redness, and terrible itching, there have been no other symptoms. But now I am wondering. I have been having ever-increasing balance problems since first diagnosed 10 to 15 years ago. Could there be any relationship? I now have to use two walking sticks to get around.

    1. Dear Biz, Bay Area Lyme is not a clinical organization and cannot provide individual medical guidance or diagnosis, however, a bullseye is a definitive symptom for Lyme disease and balance, joint, muscle, or nerve issues are common symptoms of late-stage Lyme. It is also true that antibiotics have to be taken for a minimum duration to have impact; shorter treatment cycles may not be sufficient to fully eliminate the bacteria. We would encourage you to speak with your medical care provider in more detail about your symptoms and treatment options and wish you full health. We would also encourage a trip to a neurologist that is familiar with Lyme disease. The ILADS (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society) website can help with doctor referrals, based on your geographic location. Best wishes.

    2. It was when I [treated] myself with Ivermectin that my balance problems and pain diminished greatly. There is often a parasite besides bacteria of micro filaria that infect the brain and CNS…. look it up! After using Loratadine for a month I note my mind is clearer and I have better energy and a lot less pain overall! Great research! Thanks for all who care and help!

    3. Now I can see why Loratadine is quite good for treating Lyme. If Loratadine can block the metal transporter (manganese), thus it can kill Borrelia, because Borrelia (Lyme) needs manganese for replication and survival. Also if early diagnosed (the first few months), Penicillin VK is very good, but if Lyme is chronic disease (12 months and plus) it is more difficult to kill all the spirochetes, because they are in almost all organs. They like a lot the joints, heart, eyes and brain.

    4. My hubby started getting unwell and balance issues were the first thing I remember seeing. He had a heart attack next. Now he’s very sick, he may not make it as no meds ever given in UK. I’m dropping things and eyesight is weird this last year. Never had these issues b4.

  20. Was any consideration given to the idea that taking Claritin for seasonal allergies could mask Lyme symptoms? My Dr. has had me take Claritin from first thaw through first frost for two years now. This past summer I had neck stiffness, different joint issues, etc, but it wasn’t until I stopped taking it that everything seemed to balloon into more noticable symptoms. I’m often in tick areas but thought I used pretty good prevention methods – now I’m wondering if I missed something!

    1. Thank you for the question. Unfortunately it is true that many treatments (antibiotics, NSAIDS, etc.) will mask symptoms and clinicians need to carefully weigh many factors when determining individual treatments. We still need to prove that loratadine could be effective in treating Lyme disease in patients. One would certainly hope that doctors would take all relevant information into consideration when assessing symptoms for Lyme disease, e.g., in patients taking loratadine OTC. It is always important to seek help if you continue to experience symptoms. We wish you good luck and good health!

  21. Four weeks into Clarinex (desloratadine) after 18 months of failed treatment. 10 microscope photos a day showing clearance accelerating after 3 weeks! 10mg/day. Sleeping for the first time since 2010. Planktonic still lingering, but less every day.

    1. From Wendy Adams, Program Advisor and Advisory Board Member, Bay Area Lyme Foundation:
      Thanks for the question. Cystic forms were not studied here. The role of BmtA in cyst forms is not well understood, as BmtA has not been widely studied and was only characterized in 2008. It’s not clear if the assays used would work with cystic forms, as they measure ATP to determine cell killing and because cystic forms may have altered growth and metabolism, measuring ATP might not be appropriate to determine efficacy of desloratadine on those forms.

    2. It is believed that Borrelia burgdorferi can transform into a cyst when threatened (e.g., by antibiotics or the immune system). We don’t know much about how they act in the body, however, it has been shown in some research that the bacteria will return to its spirochetal form once the threat subsides and resume its attack on the host (perhaps appearing as a “relapse” of the infection.)

      It is important to note, however, that a bacterial cyst is formed by a single bacteria and is microscopic, thus not visible to the naked eye. They are not the same as skin cysts that can develop from a wide array of conditions including infection, clogged glands or follicles, etc.

  22. I wonder if it would work in synergy with resveratrol?

    If Mn is taken up by the mitochondria -> oxidative phosphorylation inhibited, does this -> mitophagy and then horizontal transfer of mtDNA from “donor cells” helps to keep the infected cell viable?

    When mitophagy happens, is Mn (and some proteins) then available for Bb to use?

    1. From Jerome Bouquet, PhD, University of California, San Francisco

      Loratadine blocks the intakes of Mn by Borrelia in vitro by blocking its membrane Mn transporter. In the human body, loratadine binds to histamine receptors, unrelated to Mn or mitochondrial functions. There is no reason to believe that Desloradine/loratadine would trigger mitochondrial dysfunction in human cells. Bioavailibity of Mn in the body is basically the same wether you are infected by Borrelia. Mn acts an antioxidant in mitochondria, so even if starving Borrelia off Mn would make a difference in local concentrations of Mn (doubtful), it would have a protective effect rather than trigger mitophagy. Also, oxidative stress tends to kill cells rather than trigger regeneration. Horizontal transfer of mtDNA in human cells is a very recent concept and very little is known, so far it can only be described as tumor cell mechanism.

      A lot is left to understand about the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in Lyme disease and chronic Lyme disease. Resveratrol is a supplement reported to improve mitochondrial function as well as several other health effects (tumor suppression, cardiovascular protection,…) However, its effects as a potent drug remains to be demonstrated. Most vitamins and supplements are good for you in the long term at reasonable dosage, but it is all part of a good diverse diet. Antioxidants might be associated with reduced risks of developing an oxidative stress-related disease at some point in life, but it does not mean that they are efficient at treating a specific disease when it occurs.

  23. About 2 years ago I was being bitten by ticks which left a bullseye on the skin where the bite occurred. While at the dr office for my flu shot, I mentioned the bites to him and inquired about Lyme. He said he would prescribe antibiotics because that’s how Lyme is treated. Last winter I came down with pneumonia. Everything the dr prescribed appeared to give me hives. By process of elimination I’ve discovered I’ve been become allergic to beef. The more I eat the more I itch all over, starting on my face and around my mouth. Is there anything I can take to help and will it include all red meats like venison?

    1. We are very sorry to hear about your Lyme disease and the hives. Sounds frustrating! Bay Area Lyme is not a clinical organization and unfortunately can not advise about specific medical conditions. We would suggest that you speak to your health care providers and can also offer referrals for doctors that are familiar with Lyme disease if you would like to consult another doctor. Best wishes, BAL team

    2. I also became severely allergic to beef when I got Lyme disease. Maybe there is some protein in Borrelia burgdorferi that resembles a beef protein?

    3. Hives all over from eating red meat — a juicy, organic, steak from a local farmer. Nice Meat! Except the tick bite I got was the trigger for Alpha Gal. Took 3 steaks in 1.5 months to figure the steak and hives I got 5 hours later were related. There is an AlphaGal site on facebook and it’s growing every day. Sad but true and no cure except to not eat red meat or anything made with it. Luckily I can eat bacon and a little pork without a reaction.

    4. you have probably been bitten by the lone star tick. It causes that allergy to red meat . Google it for more info.

    5. In Australia on the coastal areas around Sydney, it has become a problem with people who have been bitten by ticks.They have all become allergic to red meat. Haven’t heard of a cure yet.

    6. Manganese is necessary in the formation of arginase, which breaks down arginine. In the absence of arginase, arginine builds in the body. Red meat is a high-arginine food, so possibly your reaction is stemming from a manganese deficiency and arginine excess. Other high-arginine foods are chocolate, corn, beans, cheese, and nuts.

    7. @ Linda Webb-

      Your problem sounds as if it may be alpha gal, which presumably is a tick-transmitted illness causing allergy to mammalian tissue. My stepson has been dealing with it for several years.

      There are a number on online resources available. Good luck. It is not a great thing to contract but there is some evidence that with time the allergy may diminish if a person can avoid further tick bites.

    8. I live in Australia. After 3 years of having a paralysis tick bite, of bloating, inability to breathe properly and toilet dry and crumbly and big trouble, I worked out a meat allergy, which includes gelatin, so having to go vegan. For some reason, I can eat banana bread, but not bananas, and gasp* no chocolate, no meat stocks and limited chicken, but choosing to stay away just in case. (Gelatin capsules – vitamins and some meds are a no-no. Chemist is helpful). Introducing foods one at a time every 3 days. For the first time my belly is soft, but no muscle tone due to being so bloated for so long. And a belly rash. Brain fog is a big issue. If I eat meat, symptoms occur about 2 hours later and one episode can last 3 weeks. Also caused prolapse due to downward pressure. At last I can hold a bladder-full. I’m in my 60’s and also have hashimotos.

    9. I think what you are describing is called Alph-gal. Alpha-gal syndrome is a recently identified type of food allergy to red meat. In the United States, the condition most often begins when a Lone Star tick bite transmits a sugar molecule called alpha-gal into the body. Mayo clinic.

  24. Hi,

    I was diagnosed with Lyme. It’s been 4-months that the bullseye rash first showed up and started spreading across my thigh. Never had any symptoms or itch with the rash. It’s starting to disappear. I have stiff neck but not any of the major symptoms of Lyme. It is confusing, the doctor said he needed no tests, it is Lyme. Didn’t explain anything to me. I did my research and now I’m very scared from all I read about Lyme. I was prescribed with an antihistamine (bilastine, approved in Europe with similar effects to desloratadine in US) and cream to put on the rash. I have no idea what to think of this. Diagnose after 3.5 months is early enough? I had almost no symptoms, just stiff neck, the rash, some flu -like symptoms, but no fever, only some indisposition. GERD showed up too.

    Thanks,
    Maria

  25. I have Lyme disease, Cat Scratch Fever, and Babesia. One of the worst symptoms I used to get were sudden attacks of almost seizures (very severe body tremors but I’d stay conscious), very severe sweating, and sometimes torturous nerve pain at the bottom of my left rib cage. My Lyme doctor did at first suggest Claritin, but it didn’t work. The only thing that did work, and almost immediately, was Benedryl IM shots. It was only a temporary solution, but a much needed one, since the attacks were literally torturous. Ultimately, the attacks lessened and then disappeared after many months of IV antibiotics and herbal treatments. I was almost cured last year, but for reasons that are too complicated to state here, the Lyme part of the triple infection is acting up again now.

  26. My Doctor advised me to take Claritin…

    I had the bullseye rash last fall and thought that it was ringworm from my new roommates dog (who loves to roll in the grass). My pharmacist suggested a cream for it (the ignorance about Lyme is sometimes astounding!) …

    I did not have symptoms until April 13, 2015 when my body crashed for four days. It was the worst “flu” that i had ever experienced… I kept trying to get back to normal, but it just wasn’t happening. I am still not up to par… BUT… the Claritin made a BIG difference for me. I am learning to pace myself while I am dealing with this “new normal” because I can get knocked down fairly easy. A trip to the grocery store requires me to lay down when I get back home… but without the Claritin I could barely function at all!

    I am surprised to see this article because I thought it was odd that my Doc wanted me to take Claritin! And now I am feeling very hopeful that there is evidence that what I am doing is the right thing for now. I think my Doc is really on to something here!

    1. Ana, can you please tell me how much Claritin per day does your Doc prescribe ?

    2. Please note: We would advise that you contact your own physician for any clinical recommendations. Bay Area Lyme Foundation is not a medical authority and does not advocate or offer treatment advice.

  27. Hi,

    This brings well needed hope.

    What´s the status of the clinical trial? Will it be done?

    All the best,
    Maria

    1. Thank you for your interest. The clinical trial is currently under internal review at Stanford. We are continuing to collect information from patients interested in the study which will be passed onto the researchers when they formally commence patient recruitment. Please see the Patient Recruitment page if interested. We will update the website as soon as more information becomes publicly available. Potential participants will be contacted directly. We are also continuing to raise funds to support the trial and continuation of this research. Contact our development office for more information. Thank you!

    2. Hi again,

      Just a short follow-up question: Will this study involve desloratadine?

      Thank you!

  28. On page 813 of the article the authors state: “Desloratadine exhibited potent borreliacidal activity in vitro at and above 78 μg/mL (250 μM). Currently, desloratadine is prescribed at 5–10 mg dose. A 250 μM dose would roughly translate into 400 mg/day. The mean plasma concentration of desloratadine in human blood after 5 mg or even up to 40 mg dose is about 2–5 ng/mL. Thus, achieving borreliacidal concentrations of desloratadine in blood are challenging”.

    This [research] is a laboratory study whose findings may one day lead to animal or human studies wherein desloratidine or a similar compound can be used at doses that are smaller and thus more viable for the human body – and realistic for the everyday person to use.

    It is an important advancement that needs to be carefully studied but just don’t rush out and buy the antihistamine – you’d be wasting your money.

    I have Lyme and I am a health care researcher.

  29. Fascinating article! I’ve had 3 bullseye rashes and many deer tick bites and now ache all over. I’m 69 and in fairly decent health and I’m wondering if this new discovery might work for me. What were the doses and how long was the course of treatment?

    1. Thank you for your comment. The published study was a laboratory research project, not a clinical trial, so the research does not encompass specific treatment regimens or dosages. Further research will be required to develop a modified derivative that increases the borrecidal efficacy. Bay Area Lyme Foundation is supporting a clinical trial of a combination therapy building on these research findings that is still in development. If you have interest in that study, please click here.

  30. Article by Wagh et. al. stresses desloratadine and not loratadine. The former is Clarinex, versus the latter which is Claritin. Realizing that desloratadine is a metabolite of loratadine, a real question is whether or not those in clinical practice should use Clarinex rather than Claritin in an attempt to synergize, perhaps, with doxycycline to eradicate lyme disease. The various internet items on Wagh et. al.’s findings focus on loratadine where the actual article’s main focus is desloratadine.

    1. Thanks for your inquiry. As you mention, loratadine is metabolized to desloratadine in the body, and that’s why desloratadine was studied. Loratadine is used more often clinically because it is available over the counter in the US. In contrast, desloratadine is available in some other countries OTC (but not in the US). Desloratadine is sometimes prescribed for patients who experience side effects from loratadine. We can’t opine on what clinicians should use because it would really depend on an individual patient’s case. In a clinical study, it may be best to use loratadine because it’s available OTC and therefore will be 1) regarded as more safe and 2) could cost less to manufacture for clinical trial material than desloratadine.

    2. Desloratadine is a prescription-only medicine here in the US though it is available over-the-counter (OTC) in some countries. Loratadine, a more common treatment that is available OTC here in the US, is metabolized to desloratadine in the body, and that is why desloratadine was studied in this reasearch. Desloratadine is sometimes prescribed for patients who experience side effects from loratadine. Your doctor is best equipped to determine which is the right treatment and we would recommend you speaking with your doctor or even sharing the study with him / her for their counsel.

  31. My father has late-stage Lyme disease. I’m wondering if you know how much Claritin is needed to make a difference? Thank you.

    1. Thank you for your comment. The published study was a laboratory research project, not a clinical trial, so the researchers are not advocating specific treatment regimens or dosages. Bay Area Lyme Foundation is supporting a clinical trial of a combination therapy building on these research findings. If you have interest in that study, please click here.

    2. Melittin found in honey bee venom and Stevia whole leaf extract can also help kill Borrelia. Do an Internet search on both.

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