Loratadine (Clarityn): antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms

If you or your child have been prescribed loratadine, follow your doctor’s instructions about how and when to take it.

If you’ve bought loratadine from a pharmacy or shop, follow the instructions that come with the packet.

Dosage

Loratadine comes as 10mg tablets and as a liquid medicine (labelled either 5mg/5ml or 1mg/1ml).

The usual dose in adults is 10mg once a day.

Doses are usually lower for people with liver problems.

For children, your doctor will use your child’s weight or age to work out the right dose. Children aged between 6 and 12 years can only take loratadine tablets if they weigh more than 30kg. Give children loratadine liquid instead of tablets if they are under 6 or weigh 30kg or less.

How to take it

Loratadine comes as 2 different types of tablet: ordinary and melt-in-the-mouth tablets.

Swallow ordinary loratadine tablets with a drink of water, milk or juice. If the tablet has a score line across the middle, you can break it in half if you find it hard to swallow it whole. Do not chew it.

Melt-in-the-mouth tablets dissolve instantly on your tongue without needing a drink. Be careful not to crush them when you take them out of the packet.

You can take loratadine with or without food.

Loratadine liquid may be easier for children to take than tablets. The medicine will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.

When to take it

You may only need to take loratadine on a day when you have symptoms, for instance if you’ve been exposed to a trigger such as animal hair. Or you may need to take it regularly to prevent symptoms, such as hay fever during spring and summer.

Try to take loratadine at about the same time every day. Choose a time that is easy to remember.

What if I forget to take it?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

What if I take too much?

Loratadine is generally very safe. If you or your child take too much, it is unlikely to harm you.