Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: loratadine
BRAND NAME: Claritin, Claritin RediTabs, Alavert, others
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Loratadine is a long-acting antihistamine that is
used for the treatment of allergy. Histamine is a chemical that causes many
signs and symptoms of allergy. Histamine is released from histamine-storing
cells (mast cells) and attaches to other cells that have receptors for histamine
on their surfaces. Histamine stimulates the cells to release chemicals that
produce effects that we associate with allergy. Loratadine blocks one type of
histamine receptor (the H1 receptor) and thus prevents activation of cells with
H1 receptors by histamine. Unlike some antihistamines, loratadine does not enter
the brain from the blood and, therefore, does not cause drowsiness when taken at
recommended doses. The FDA approved loratadine in April 1993.
PRESCRIPTION: No
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 10 mg. Tablets, disintegrating: 5 and 10 mg. Tablets,
chewable: 10 mg. Syrup: 5 mg/5 ml.
STORAGE: Tablets should be stored between 2°-30°C (36°-86°F), and syrup should
be stored between 2°-25°C (36°-77°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Loratadine is used for the relief of nasal and non-nasal
symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis. It is also used to treat patients with
chronic urticaria, a type of allergic skin rash.
DOSING: The usual dose of loratadine is 10 mg daily for adults and children
older than six years of age.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Erythromycin, cimetidine (Tagamet), and ketoconazole
(Nizoral) increase the
blood concentration of loratadine by inhibiting the elimination of loratadine.
This may result in increased adverse events from loratadine.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of loratadine in pregnant women.
Loratidine should be used during pregnancy only if it is clearly needed.
NURSING MOTHERS: Loratadine is secreted in breast milk at levels similar to
blood levels. Nursing mothers should decide whether to stop
breastfeeding or
discontinue loratadine.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common adverse events with loratadine are headache,
drowsiness, fatigue and dry mouth.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 4/14/2008
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Hives - Read about hives (urticaria) causes (allergy, stress), rash symptoms (skin welts, raised red itchy bumps) and treatment. Dermatographism and swelling (angioedema) may accompany hives.
- fexofenadine, Allegra - Explains the medication fexofenadine (Allegra), a drug used for the temporary relief of runny nose, sneezing, and nasal stuffiness from the common cold.
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