Uses

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.

Dosing information

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)

Before taking this medicine

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.

Disclaimer: Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.