uses
What is loratadine used for?Loratadine is commonly taken to help treat allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, or an itchy nose or throat.Loratadine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does loratadine work (mechanism of action)?Loratadine is an antihistamine. It helps to reduce allergy symptoms by blocking the effect of a substance in your body called histamine.How is loratadine supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesAlavertClaritinClaritin AllergyClaritin Hives ReliefClaritin Liqui-GelsClaritin RediTabsDosage forms and strengths5 mg, 10 mg chewable tablets10 mg oral capsules5 mg/5 mL oral solution10 mg oral tablets5 mg, 10 mg orally disintegrating tabletsHow should I store loratadine?Loratadine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you’re transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place, and protect it from freezing. If your product comes in a blister pack, do not open the blister until you are ready to take your dose.
how to use
capsule, liquid, or tablet that is swallowed, tablet that dissolves in the mouth, tablet that is chewed and swallowed
drug interactions
Does loratadine interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between loratadine and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect loratadine. The risk of drowsiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking loratadine.Does loratadine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking any other medicine that may cause drowsiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety before taking loratadine.This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with loratadine. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of loratadine?Common side effects of loratadine may include a headache or drowsiness. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you. There may be other side effects of loratadine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of loratadine?While less common, the most serious side effects of loratadine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Loratadine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking loratadine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint pain
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much loratadine?If you or someone else has taken too much loratadine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of loratadine?If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use loratadine?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take loratadine.LoratadineAlavertClaritinClaritin AllergyClaritin Hives ReliefClaritin Liqui-GelsClaritin RediTabsAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific loratadine products they stock.What should I know about loratadine before using it?Keep loratadine out of the reach of children.There are multiple forms of loratadine available. Read and follow the instructions for the product you have and make sure you understand how to use it properly. If you have any questions, talk to your pharmacist or other health care provider.If you are taking loratadine liquid, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a good measuring device.If you are taking loratadine chewable tablets, they should be chewed or crushed completely before swallowing them.Some loratadine products may have phenylalanine, which can be dangerous for people with a condition called phenylketonuria (PKU). If you have PKU, your body cannot break down phenylalanine. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the ingredients in the specific loratadine product you have.What should I tell my health care provider before using loratadine?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if loratadine is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following. Liver problemsKidney problemsOther Medicines and Supplements. Loratadine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking loratadine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. It is not known if or how loratadine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take loratadine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.Breastfeeding. Loratadine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take loratadine while breastfeeding.
about
Loratadine is an antihistamine that is taken to help treat allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, or an itchy nose or throat. Common side effects may include a headache or drowsiness. Loratadine is available over the counter (OTC). If you have trouble swallowing tablets or capsules, loratadine comes in several other forms, including chewable tablets, tablets that dissolve in your mouth, and a liquid.