Loratadine

Loratadine is an over the counter medication used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies and itching due to hives. Loratadine belongs to a group of drugs called Histamine H1 Antagonists (antihistamine). Antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine, which is known to trigger allergy symptoms. 

This medication comes in a tablet, chewable tablet, dissolvable tablet, oral (by mouth) liquid, and capsule form, and is usually taken once daily with or without food. 

Common side effects of loratadine include headaches, dry mouth, and fatigue. Loratadine can also cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. 

Loratadine is an over-the-counter medication used to relieve symptoms due to hay fever or other allergies such as:

• runny nose
• sneezing
• itchy, watery eyes
• itching of the nose or throat

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Loratadine may be found in some form under the following brand names:

• Alavert

• Claritin

Before taking loratadine, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. Especially tell your doctor if you:

• are allergic to loratadine or to any of its ingredients
• have liver disease
• have kidney disease
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Take loratadine exactly as prescribed.

Loratadine comes in solution, tablets, chewable tablets, liquid gel capsules, and orally disintegrating (dissolving) tablet form. Take with or without food.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.

The dose your doctor recommends may be based on the following:

• other medical conditions you have
• other medications you are taking
• how you respond to this medication
• your kidney and liver function
• your age

Adults and children 6 years and over:

The recommended dose of Claritin (loratadine) tablets is 10 mg once a day.

The recommended dose of Claritin (loratadine) orally disintegrating tablets is 10 mg. Claritin (loratadine) orally disintegrating tablets can be taken either once a day or every 12 hours depending on which product you buy.

The recommended dose of Claritin (loratadine) liquid gels is 10 mg once a day.

Children under 6 years old:

The recommended dose of Claritin (loratadine) chewable tablets are the following:

• Children 2 to 6 years of age: Chew 1 tablet (5mg) once a day
• Adults and children over 6 years old: Chew 2 tablets (10 mg) once a day

The recommended dose of Claritin (loratadine) solution are the following:

• Children 2 to 6 years of age: One teaspoonful (TSP) (5mg) once a day
• Adults and children over 6 years old: 2 teaspoonfuls (TSP) (10 mg) once a day

If you take too much loratadine, call your healthcare provider or local Poison Control Center, or seek emergency medical attention right away.

• Store loratadine between 20° and 25°C (68° and 77°F).
• Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.