Loratadine

Generic name: loratadine [ lor-AT-a-deen ]
Brand names: Alavert, Claritin, Claritin Reditab, ohm Allergy Relief, Tavist ND, Wal-itin
Dosage forms: oral capsule (10 mg), oral syrup (5 mg/5 mL), oral tablet (10 mg), oral tablet, chewable (5 mg), oral tablet, disintegrating (10 mg; 5 mg)
Drug class: Antihistamines

Medically reviewed by Sophia Entringer, PharmD. Last updated on Oct 8, 2021.

What is 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

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.

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.

How should I take loratadine?

Use loratadine exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cold or allergy medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Loratadine is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Do not crush, chew, or break the regular tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

A child’s dose is based on age and some forms of loratadine are not for use in children younger than 6 years old. Carefully follow the dosing instructions provided with this medicine.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

To take the orally disintegrating tablet (Claritin RediTab, Alavert):

• Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take it. Open the package and peel back the foil. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.

• Use dry hands to remove the tablet and place it in your mouth.

• Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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.

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)

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)

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Loratadine is used when needed. Do not use loratadine more than once in a 24-hour period. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include headache, drowsiness, and fast or pounding heartbeat.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking loratadine?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Popular FAQ

Does loratadine make you sleepy?

Loratadine does not usually cause drowsiness and is considered a non-sedating antihistamine. However, some people may get sleepy so use caution before driving, operating machinery or performing other hazardous tasks until you know how loratadine affects you.

Does loratadine raise blood pressure?

Loratadine (brand example: Claritin), an over-the-counter (OTC) non-sedating antihistamine, does not usually increase blood pressure when used alone as a single ingredient. Some OTC combination products do contain loratadine plus the decongestant pseudoephedrine (brand example: Claritin-D), which can raise your blood pressure. In the US, Claritin-D and the generic are normally kept behind the pharmacy counter. If you have high blood pressure, are being treated for high blood pressure, or have concerns about your blood pressure, ask your doctor before you use pseudoephedrine in any form.

How long does loratadine take to work?

Loratadine fully works within one hour after you take it and its effect should last for 24 hours. Your symptoms should start to improve in about 20 minutes. You only have to take loratadine once a day. Loratadine is an effective over-the-counter, non-sedating antihistamine used to treat sneezing, runny nose or watery eyes due to a cold or allergy, skin hives and itching.

Can you give loratadine to dogs?

Yes, you can give loratadine to dogs, it is usually well tolerated and is unlikely to produce side effects such as drowsiness that tend to happen with some of the older antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (also known as Benadryl). The human form of loratadine is the same as the form administered to dogs and it can be purchased at any drug store or grocery store. Continue reading

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Further information

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

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

Medical Disclaimer

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