Loratadine is an antihistamine.
Pronunciation: lor-AT-a-deen
What are loratadine’s uses?
Loratadine is used in the treatment of allergic conditions including:
• Allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages)
• Allergic conjunctivitis (eye inflammation)
• Atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema)
• Chronic urticaria and angioedema (hives, or an itchy rash)
It blocks histamine that your body makes during an allergic reaction and also serotonin (a neurotransmitter).
What dosage should be administered?
It comes in tablet form. An adult dose is 10mg per day.
For children:
- Up to two years of age: Avoid usage
- Two to 12 years: if under 30kg, then it’s 5mg daily. If over 30kg, then it’s 10mg.
However, first check the correct dosage with your Clicks pharmacist.
What special precautions should you take?
- Do not give this medication to children younger than two.
- If you’re elderly, use it with caution as it could cause drowsiness or confusion.
- Take care when driving, using machinery or performing tasks that require you to be alert, as loratadine could impair functioning.
- During pregnancy, it is best to consult your doctor or Clicks pharmacist about whether you can take loratadine.
- If you’re breastfeeding only use loratadine if your doctor tells you it’s essential.
- Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to it or to desloratadine.
- Do not use it for more than 14 days.
Loratadine should be avoided if you suffer from the following conditions:
- Upper gastrointestinal narrowing
- Abnormal oesophageal peristalsis
Loratadine should be used with caution if you suffer from any of the following conditions, so be sure to consult your doctor before taking it who will prescribe a lower dose:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
What drug interactions could you experience?
As a rule, always inform your doctor or Clicks pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or planning to take to ensure you don’t suffer the effects of adverse drug interactions.
What are loratadine’s side effects?
Generally loratadine doesn’t have side effects. However, side effects could include:
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Dry mouth
- Nosebleed
- Rash
Seek immediate medical attention, if you experience any of these serious side effects:
- Fast or uneven heart rate
- Feeling faint
- Jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin)
- Seizures
This is not a complete list of side effects. It’s essential that you call your doctor should you notice any severe or odd side effects.
What are the overdose symptoms?
Call a doctor or an ambulance immediately if you suspect an overdose and notice the following symptoms:
- Severe headache
- Severe drowsiness
- A fast or pounding heart rate