Drug Class: Antihistamine

Table of Contents

Overview

Claritin (Loratadine) is an an antihistamine used to relieve is used to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose.

It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Loratadine may cause less drowsiness than other antihistamines.

This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your health care provider.

How to Take It

Loratadine comes as a syrup, a tablet, and a rapidly disintegrating tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take loratadine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To take the rapidly disintegrating tablet, place the tablet on your tongue. It will quickly dissolve and can be swallowed with saliva.

Side Effects

Side effects that may occur in children over 12 years old and adults while taking this medicine include:

  • headache
  • dry mouth
  • fatigue
  • somnolence

Side effects that may occur in children 6-12 years old while taking the oral solution include:

  • hyperkinesia
  • nervousness
  • dysphonia
  • wheezing
  • conjunctivitis

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

  • facial swelling or throat / tongue swelling
  • trouble breathing
  • rash
  • fast/irregular heartbeat
  • shaking or tremors
  • severe itching

Warnings & Precautions

  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to loratadine or any other drugs.
  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially erythromycin (E-Mycin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), medications for asthma or colds, medications for depression, muscle relaxants, pain medications, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and vitamins.
  • Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking loratadine, call your doctor.
  • If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking loratadine.
  • Avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Loratadine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
  • For an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Drug Interactions

Before taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes supplements and herbal products.

Dosage & Missed Dose

Loratadine is available in tablets, capsules, and in syrup form. Loratadine should not be given to children under the age of 6.

Do not take more than 10 mg a day of loratadine (one tablet or capsule and two teaspoons of syrup a day) unless directed by your doctor.

Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses or take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (preferably not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.

Pregnancy/Nursing

If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is NOT known if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. It is recommended that you DO NOT breast-feed while taking this medicine unless your doctor or pediatrician has told you to.

More Information

For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider, or you can visit this website, https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a697038.html for additional information from the manufacturer of this drug.