Loratadine belongs to the class of medications called second-generation antihistamines, specifically the class known as histamine receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of one of the body's natural chemicals known as histamine. Histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms caused by allergies.

Loratadine is used for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal and year-round allergies, including sneezing, itchy and runny nose, and tearing and redness of the eyes. It is also used for the relief of symptoms associated with allergic skin conditions, including skin itch and hives. It usually starts working within 2 hours and lasts for 24 hours.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Tablets: For adults and children 12 years of age and older, the recommended dose of loratadine tablets is 10 mg once daily. The regular tablets may be taken with or without food. The rapid-dissolving tablets should be taken on an empty stomach. Water or other liquids are not necessary with the rapid-dissolving tablets as they will melt instantly on the tongue.

Syrup: A liquid form of loratadine is available for children 2 years of age and older, as well as adults who are unable to swallow tablets. The recommended dose of loratadine syrup for adults and children over 10 years of age (weighing more than 30 kg) is 10 mL (10 mg) once daily. The recommended dose for children 2 to 9 years of age (weighing 30 kg or less) is 5 mL (5 mg) once daily. Children between 2 to 12 years of age should not take this medication for longer than 14 days unless recommended by a doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as suggested by your doctor or pharmacist. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture and keep it out of the reach of children.

This medication is available under multiple brand names and in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Regular tablets: Each white, oval, shallow, deep-scored tablet, with the flash and dish logo above the score and the number 10 below contains loratadine 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, lactose, and magnesium stearate.

Rapid Dissolve Tongue Tablets: Each white, round, tablet-shaped unit contains micronized loratadine 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid, gelatin, mannitol, and mint flavour.

Syrup and Claritin Kids Syrup: Each 1 mL of clear, colourless to light yellow, peach-flavoured syrup contains loratadine 1 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: artificial peach flavour, citric acid monohydrate, edetate disodium, glycerin, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium benzoate, and sucrose.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Loratadine should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to loratadine or to any of the ingredients of the medication.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• diarrhea
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• fatigue
• headache
• heartburn
• nausea
• nervousness or restlessness (especially in children)
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• pounding, fast, or irregular heartbeat
• stomach discomfort

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• symptoms of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face and throat

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take this medication.

Drowsiness: Loratadine usually causes minimal drowsiness when used as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Studies have shown that loratadine does not cause drowsiness under normal circumstances. People taking higher-than-recommended doses of loratadine may experience drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery if you become drowsy while taking this medication.

Liver problems: People with severely reduced liver function should take a lower dose (5 mg once daily or 10 mg every other day) of this medication. If you have reduced liver function, talk to your doctor about whether you should take a lower dose of this medication.

Pregnancy: The safety of using this medication during pregnancy has not been established. Women who are pregnant should not use this medication. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: The safety of loratadine has not been established for women who are breast-feeding. Women who are breast-feeding should not take loratadine.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children younger than 2 years of age. For children 12 years of age or younger, do not give this medication for longer than 14 days, unless recommended by a doctor.

Loratadine has not been associated with any significant drug interactions. Medications that affect the liver or reduce liver function should be taken with caution.

Loratadine has not been associated with any significant drug interactions. However, loratadine may interact with medications that are known to reduce liver metabolism.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.