Loratadine

Generic name: Loratadine
Drug class: Antihistamines

Usage of Loratadine

Loratadine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Loratadine is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, hay fever, itching, and other cold or allergy symptoms.

Loratadine is also used to treat skin hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions

Loratadine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to loratadine: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • fast or uneven heart rate;
  • severe headache; or
  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

    • Common loratadine side effects may include:

  • headache;
  • feeling tired or drowsy;
  • stomach pain, vomiting;
  • dry mouth; or
  • feeling nervous or hyperactive.

    • This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    Before taking Loratadine

    Ask a doctor or pharmacist if loratadine is safe to use if you have ever had:

  • kidney disease; or
  • liver disease.

    • The disintegrating tablet may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

    Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

    Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice.

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    How to use Loratadine

    Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

    10 mg orally once a day -Maximum dose: 10 mg/day Use: Temporary relief of symptoms associated with hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies (e.g., runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, itching of the nose/throat)

    Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria:

    10 mg orally once a day -Maximum dose: 10 mg/day Use: Temporary relief of symptoms associated with hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies (e.g., runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, itching of the nose/throat)

    Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

    2 to 5 years: 5 mg orally once a day -Maximum dose: 5 mg/day 6 years and older: 10 mg orally once a day -Maximum dose: 10 mg/day Use: Temporary relief of symptoms associated with hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies (e.g., runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, itching of the nose/throat)

    Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria:

    2 to 5 years: 5 mg orally once a day -Maximum dose: 5 mg/day 6 years and older: 10 mg orally once a day -Maximum dose: 10 mg/day Use: Temporary relief of symptoms associated with hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies (e.g., runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, itching of the nose/throat)

    Warnings

    You should not take this medication if you are allergic to loratadine or to desloratadine (Clarinex).

    Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

    Some chewable dosage forms of loratadine may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using these forms of loratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

    Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if you have liver or kidney disease.

    What other drugs will affect Loratadine

    Other drugs may interact with loratadine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

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