Loratadine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can cause symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes and runny nose.
Loratadine is used for treating sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, rash, itching, and other cold or allergy symptoms.
Loratadine is also used to treat hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions.
Loratadine can also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
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What are the possible side effects of loratadine?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using loratadine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- fast or uneven heartbeat;
- severe headache; or
- feeling light-headed, like passing out;
Common side effects are:
- headache;
- feeling tired or sleepy;
- 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 can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about loratadine?
Follow all directions on your label and packaging. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all of your medical conditions, allergies, and any medications you use.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking loratadine?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to loratadine or to desloratadine (Clarinex).
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:
- asthma;
- kidney disease; or
- liver disease.
This medicine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Loratadine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Some forms of loratadine may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before taking loratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Do not give this medicine to a child under 6 years old without the advice of a doctor.
How should I take loratadine?
Use the product as directed on the label or as directed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller quantities or for longer than recommended. Cold or allergy medications are usually only taken for a short time until your symptoms disappear.
Do not give this medicine to a child under 2 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a child a cough or cold. Death can occur from the abuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.
Loratadine is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Do not crush, chew, or break the regular tablet . Swallow the pill whole.
Measure the liquid medicine with the supplied dosing syringe or with a special measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist.
The chewable tablet should be chewed before swallowing.
To take the orally disintegrating tablet (Claritin RediTab, Alavert):
- Keep the tablet in the blister pack until you are ready to take it. Open the package and peel off the foil. Do not push a tablet through the foil or damage the tablet.
- Use dry hands to remove the tablet and put it in your mouth.
- Do not swallow the tablet whole. Let it dissolve in your mouth without chewing. If desired, you can 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.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the forgotten dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek medical attention or call the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include headache, drowsiness, and fast or pounding heartbeat.
What should I avoid while using loratadine?
Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on eating, drinking, or activities.
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 are taking now and about any medicine you are taking or stopping.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about loratadine.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.
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