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What is Loratadine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Apr 16, 2024  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Loratadine overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Allergy Relief, Brite-Life Allergy Relief, Children's Allergy Relief, Children's Claritin, Children's Claritin Allergy, Children's Claritin Chewables, Children's Loratadine Allergy, Claritin, Claritin 24HR, Claritin Liqui-Gels, Claritin RediTabs, Good Neighbor Loratadine, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Loratadine, Good Sense Allergy Relief, Good Sense Children's Loratadine

Generic Names:

  • Loratadine

Uses:

  • Treats allergy symptoms and hives.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Respiratory Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet, Dissolving Tablet, Liquid, Liquid Filled Capsule, Chewable Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Loratadine used for?

Loratadine is a prescription and over the counter drug that is used to treat symptoms of allergies including sneezing, runny nose and itchy throat. Loratadine works by preventing histamine from attaching to your cells which cause allergic symptoms. This medication is available as an oral syrup, an oral tablet, disintegrating and as an oral tablet.

What form(s) does Loratadine come in

  • Tablet

  • Dissolving Tablet

  • Liquid

  • Liquid Filled Capsule

  • Chewable Tablet

Common Loratadine prescriptions

  • Loratadine
    100 tablets bottle

  • Loratadine
    120ml of 5mg/5ml bottle

  • Loratadine
    30 tablets bottle

  • Loratadine
    300 tablets bottle

  • Loratadine
    90 tablets bottle

  • Loratadine
    30 tablets box

  • Loratadine
    10mg tablet

How to take Loratadine

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • After you remove a rapidly disintegrating tablet (Reditab®) from the package, use it right away by putting the tablet on your tongue. The tablet will break up and dissolve quickly. You may take the tablet with or without water.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • After you remove a rapidly disintegrating tablet (Reditab®) from the package, use it right away by putting the tablet on your tongue. The tablet will break up and dissolve quickly. You may take the tablet with or without water.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

What to do if you miss a dose of Loratadine

  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.

  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Loratadine contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to loratadine. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

Loratadine warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or kidney disease.

  • Extreme weakness

  • Fast or irregular heartbeat

  • Uncontrolled movements of the head, neck, eyes or tongue

Loratadine interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or kidney disease.

Loratadine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing

  • Extreme weakness

  • Fast or irregular heartbeat

  • Uncontrolled movements of the head, neck, eyes or tongue

  • Nervousness

  • Red, irritated eyes

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dry mouth

  • Red, irritated eyes

  • Nervousness

  • Drowsiness

  • Cough, sore throat, hoarseness

  • Headache

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