Generic Name: loratadine
Brand Names: Claritin, Alavert, Claritin RediTabs, QlearQuil All Day & All Night 24 Hour Allergy Relief
Drug Class: Antihistamines, 2nd Generation
What is loratadine, and what is it used for?
Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine drug used to relieve nasal and non-nasal symptoms of hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) and to treat chronic itching from hives (chronic idiopathic urticaria).
Antihistamines work by blocking the activity of histamine, a natural chemical irritant in the body that causes allergy symptoms. Loratadine is available over the counter (OTC) in the U.S.
Histamine is a chemical released by mast cells and basophils, types of immune cells, in response to allergen exposure. Histamine binds to histamine H1 receptors, protein molecules located on cell membranes, and activates the immune response that results in inflammation and allergy symptoms. Loratadine binds to histamine H1 receptors, preventing their activation by histamine and the resultant allergic reactions.
Like other second-generation antihistamines, loratadine selectively binds to histamine H1 receptors primarily located on respiratory smooth muscle cells, cells lining blood vessel walls, the gastrointestinal tract, and immune cells. Loratadine does not cross the blood-brain barrier and has no central nervous system (CNS) effects, hence, it does not cause drowsiness, sedation, and impairment of psychomotor functions like first-generation antihistamines do.
Loratadine is approved for use in adults and pediatric patients of age 2 years and older, for the relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms from:
Who should not take loratadine?
- Do not use loratadine if you are hypersensitive to any of the components in the formulation.
- Do not administer OTC cough medicines containing loratadine to children below 2 years of age and use with caution in children over 2 years.
- Use with caution in elderly patients.
- Use with caution in patients with impaired kidney or liver function.
- Loratadine may potentiate the sedative effect of sedative drugs and alcohol if taken concurrently.
- Some formulations contain benzyl alcohol which has been associated with a potentially fatal “gasping syndrome” in newborns. Use with caution.
- Some formulations may contain phenylalanine, an amino acid. Take with caution if you have phenylketonuria, an inherited disorder with inability to metabolize phenylalanine.
What are the side effects of loratadine?
Common side effects of loratadine include:
- Headache
- Drowsiness (somnolence)
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Oral inflammation (stomatitis)
- Abdominal pain
- Altered salivation
- Taste perversion (dysgeusia)
- Loss of appetite (anorexia)
- Gas (flatulence)
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Loose stools
- Gastritis
- Hiccups
- Increase in appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- High or low blood pressure (hypertension or hypotension)
- Palpitations
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Supraventricular tachycardia
- Flushing
- Fainting (syncope)
- Wheezing
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Dry nose
- Nasal bleeding (epistaxis)
- Cough
- Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
- Bronchial inflammation (bronchitis)
- Bronchospasm
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Inflammation of the voice box (laryngitis)
- Throat inflammation (pharyngitis)
- Flu-like symptoms
- Viral infections
- Feeling unwell (malaise)
- Rigors
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Migraine
- Sleeplessness (Insomnia)
- Nightmares
- Loss of memory (amnesia)
- Nervousness
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Lack of concentration
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Reduced skin sensation (hypoesthesia)
- Numbness and tingling (paresthesia)
- High muscle tone (hypertonia)
- Tremor
- Muscle spasm (hyperkinesia)
- Muscle pain (myalgia)
- Weakness (asthenia)
- Lower limb pain
- Back pain
- Joint pain (arthralgia)
- Voice disorder (dysphonia)
- Eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Eyelid twitching (blepharospasm)
- Inflammation of conjunctiva, the membrane over the eye whites and inner eyelid surfaces (conjunctivitis)
- Ear pain (otalgia)
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Dry hair
- Skin rash
- Dry skin (xeroderma)
- Itching (pruritus)
- Dermatitis
- Skin photosensitivity
- Excessive sweating (diaphoresis)
- Purple bruises due to bleeding beneath the skin (purpuric disease)
- Swelling beneath the skin and mucous membranes (angioedema)
- Changes in urination
- Urinary incontinence
- Urinary retention
- Urine discoloration
- Inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis)
- Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Decreased libido
- Impotence
- Breast pain (mastalgia)
- Weight gain
- Increased thirst
Less common side effects of loratadine include:
- Swelling of extremities (peripheral edema)
- Abnormal liver function
- Liver inflammation (hepatitis)
- Jaundice
- Liver tissue death (hepatic necrosis)
- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Seizure
- Overgrowth of breast tissue (breast hypertrophy)
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Red skin lesions from drug reaction (erythema multiforme)
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:
- Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
- Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
- Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
- Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.
This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

QUESTION
Allergies can best be described as: See AnswerWhat are the dosages of loratadine?
Syrup
- 5 mg/5 mL
Tablet
- 10 mg
Tablet, Chewable
- 5 mg
Tablet, Disintegrating
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
Capsule
- 10 mg
Adult:
Allergic Rhinitis
- 10 mg orally once daily or 5 mg twice daily; not to exceed 10 mg/day
Urticaria
- 10 mg orally once daily; not to exceed 10 mg/day
Dosing Considerations
- Renal impairment (GFR below 30 mL/minute): 10 mg orally every other day
- Hepatic impairment: 10 mg orally every other day
Pediatric:
- Children below 2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
Allergic Rhinitis
- Children 2-6 years: 5 mg orally once daily
- Children above 6 years: 10 mg orally once daily; not to exceed 10 mg/day
Urticaria
Children above 6 years: 10 mg orally once daily
Dosing Modifications
Renal impairment (GFR below 30 mL/minute)
- Children 2-6 years: 5 mg orally every other day
- Children 6 years: 10 mg orally every other day
Hepatic impairment
- Children 2-6 years: 5 mg orally every other day
- Children 6 years: 10 mg orally every other day
Administration
Claritin RediTabs: Dissolve on the tongue
Overdose
- Loratadine overdose can cause drowsiness (somnolence), rapid heart rate (tachycardia), and headache in adults, and palpitations and drug-related movement disorders (extrapyramidal symptoms) in children.
- Overdose treatment is symptomatic and supportive care, which may include inducing vomiting or performing gastric lavage and administration of activated charcoal to eliminate any undigested drug and other measures as deemed necessary.
What drugs interact with loratadine?
Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.
- Severe Interactions of Loratadine include:
- mavacamten
- Serious Interactions of Loratadine include:
- carbamazepine
- cimetidine
- clarithromycin
- erdafitinib
- erythromycin base
- erythromycin ethylsuccinate
- erythromycin lactobionate
- erythromycin stearate
- everolimus
- isocarboxazid
- lasmiditan
- metoclopramide intranasal
- olopatadine intranasal
- rifabutin
- rifampin
- sotorasib
- tepotinib
- tranylcypromine
- Loratadine has moderate interactions with at least 133 different drugs.
- Loratadine has mild interactions with at least 53 different drugs.
The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.
It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions about the medication.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Animal reproductive studies show no fetal harm, however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies on loratadine use in pregnant women. Use the lowest effective dose of loratadine during pregnancy, only if clearly needed.
- Loratadine is present in breast milk. Make a decision to discontinue nursing or loratadine, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. If a breastfeeding infant is exposed to loratadine in breast milk, monitor the baby for drowsiness, jitteriness, and irritability.
- Antihistamines may reduce milk production if administered before the establishment of lactation.
What else should I know about loratadine?
- Take loratadine exactly as prescribed, or as per label instructions if self-medicating with OTC drug.
- Avoid concurrent use of alcohol and other sedative drugs with loratadine, it may potentiate their sedative effects.
- Although second-generation antihistamines are generally non-sedating, loratadine may cause drowsiness. Exercise caution and avoid driving and other hazardous activities until the drug’s effects can be determined.
- Store safely out of reach of children.
- In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.
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Summary
Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine drug used to relieve nasal and non-nasal symptoms of hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) and to treat chronic itching from hives (chronic idiopathic urticaria). Common side effects of loratadine include headache, drowsiness (somnolence), fatigue, dry mouth (xerostomia), oral inflammation (stomatitis), abdominal pain, altered salivation, taste perversion (dysgeusia), loss of appetite (anorexia), gas (flatulence), indigestion (dyspepsia), constipation, diarrhea, and others. Do not take with alcohol or other sedative drugs. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Is Allergic Conjunctivitis the Same as Conjunctivitis?
Allergic conjunctivitis may occur along with sneezing, runny nose, or sinus headache. Many people also find that they are tired and feel agitated.
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How Do You Get Tested for Food Allergies?
If you develop symptoms of a food allergy, your doctor will have you undergo a skin test or blood test to determine which foods you are allergic to.
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What Are Typical Seasonal Allergy Symptoms?
Typical seasonal allergy symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, congestion, and a sore throat.
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Is My Sore Throat Allergies or COVID-19?
Sore throat can be a symptom of allergies or COVID-19, and it can be difficult to tell which one you have. Understanding the difference between these two illnesses can help.
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Can Fall Allergies Cause Sinus Headaches?
Fall allergies can cause symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and sinus headache. Learn more about causes, treatment, and prevention of fall allergies.
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How Is COVID-19 Different From Allergies?
COVID-19 symptoms are often similar to symptoms of seasonal allergies, so it is important to know how to tell the difference. Learn how to distinguish between the two.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Allergy
- Hives (Urticaria)
- Food Allergy
- Latex Allergy
- Makeup Allergy
- Allergy Attacks? Fight Back
- Allergies- Easing Sneezing: House Cleaning Tips
- Eye Allergy
- Drug Allergy
- Peanut Allergy
- Insect Sting Allergy
- Allergy: Winning the War Against Allergies
- Allergies: Mold and More:Battling Indoor Allergens
- Allergies, Control Your Spring
- Allergy: Taking the Sting Out of Insect Allergies
- Peanut and Other Food Allergies -- Scott Sicherer, MD
- Asthma and Allergies and Your Child
- Allergies FAQs
- Skin: Are Hypoallergenic Cosmetics Really Better?
- Are Hives Always Caused by an Allergy?
- Questions To Ask Your Doctor - Allergy
- Air Pollution and Allergies: A Connection?
- Allergies: Don't Sneeze at Allergy Relief
- Food Allergies vs. Food Intolerance
- Sesame Seed Allergy: A Growing Problem?
- What Are Strategies to Deal With Mite Allergies ?
- Do Anti-Mite Carpet Cleaners Help Mite Allergies?
- Can Milk Allergy Cause Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- What Can You Give a Toddler for Severe Cough?
- Can You Be Allergic to Ceclor for Hepatitis B?
- Can Psoriasis Be Caused by Allergy?
- Do Allergy Drugs Interact with Synthroid?
- Can Stress Cause Hives?
- Allergy to Stinging Insects Can Be Life Threatening
- 5 Food Allergy Myths
- Food Allergy: The Facts
Medications & Supplements
- loratadine - oral, Claritin
- pseudoephedrine/loratadine 24-hour tablet - oral, Claritin-D
- desloratadine - oral, Clarinex
- loratadine/pseudoephedrine sustained-release - oral, Claritin-D
- loratadine liquid - oral, Claritin
- loratadine dispersible tablet - oral, Alavert ODT, Claritin RediTabs
- desloratadine dispersible tablet - oral, Clarinex Reditabs
- cetirizine (Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy, Zyrtec Hives)
- Side Effects of Claritin (loratadine)
- loratadine, Claritin, Claritin RediTabs, Alavert, Claritin Hives Relief, Children's Claritin
- Side Effects of Claritin D (loratadine/pseudoephedrine)
- loratadine and pseudoephedrine (Alavert Allergy & Sinus, Claritin-D, Claritin-D 24 hour)
- Side Effects of Clarinex (desloratadine)
- desloratadine (Clarinex, Clarinex Reditabs)
From 
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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.
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/claritin-reditabs-loratadine-343397
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/loratadine-drug-information
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2000/20641s7lbl.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542278/
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697038.html
https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00455