made particularly Loratadine Patient Tips Medically reviewed on Aug 1, 2017 by C. Fookes, BPharm . Overview Side Effects Dosage Professional Tips More Interactions Pregnancy Warnings Breastfeeding Warnings User Reviews Drug Images Support Group Q & A Compare Alternatives Pricing & Coupons How it works Loratadine is an antihistamine that works selectively on peripheral histamine-1 (H-1) receptors (these are histamine receptors that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord). Because it acts on peripheral histamine receptors, loratadine is much less likely to cause drowsiness compared with some older antihistamines. Histamine is a chemical that is released by mast cells in response to an allergen, and it is responsible for many of the symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the mucous membranes, sneezing, and itching. Loratadine binds to histamine receptors and prevents histamine from having an effect at that receptor, which reduces the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Loratadine belongs to the group of drugs known as antihistamines. Loratadine may also be called an H1-antihistamine, a second generation antihistamine, or a nonsedating antihistamine. Upsides Used to treat allergic-type reactions due to perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Effective at controlling symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose that occur as a result of other respiratory allergens. Can provide relief from itching that occurs as a result of chronic urticaria (hives). Symptoms include raised, red, itchy bumps, streaks, or blotches on the skin. May be used in the treatment of other allergic skin disorders. Is less likely to cause sedation than older antihistamines. Can be taken once a day. May be given daily on a regular basis when allergens are most prevalent (such as during spring or summer). Although plasma levels of loratadine may be increased by certain drugs (such as ketoconazole, erythromycin, or cimetidine), this has not resulted in any clinically significant changes. Available over-the-counter. Generic loratadine is available. Downsides If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: A headache, fatigue, tiredness or a dry mouth. Side effects are generally uncommon at recommended dosages. Generally does not cause drowsiness; however, some people may be affected so caution should be exercised before driving or operating machinery until the full effects of loratadine are known. The dosage of loratadine should be reduced in liver and kidney disease (to an initial dose of 5mg once a day or 10mg every second day). Loratadine, like all other antihistamines, may decrease the response to skin prick tests. Discontinue loratadine at least 48 hours prior to skin testing. Notes: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. For a complete list of all side effects, click here . Bottom Line Loratadine is an antihistamine that effectively treats allergic-type reactions such as hay fever and is unlikely to cause drowsiness. Tips May be taken with or without food. Loratadine is usually taken once a day. During the pollen season, your doctor may advise you to take it every day if you suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis. Although loratadine is unlikely to make you drowsy, some people are susceptible to this effect. Do not drive or operate machinery if loratadine makes you drowsy. Seek urgent medical advice if you have hives and develop swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, dizziness, drooling, difficulty speaking, or shortness of breath. Loratadine is not a substitute for epinephrine which is used for the treatment of severe allergies and anaphylaxis. Loratadine is available as a suspension, dissolvable or chewable tablets for adults and children who have difficulty swallowing tablets. See your doctor if your mild allergy symptoms have not improved after three days of treatment with loratadine, or if your hives persist for more than six weeks despite taking loratadine. Discontinue loratadine tablets once your allergy symptoms have resolved. Do not take loratadine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless on the advice of your doctor. Response and Effectiveness Loratadine is well absorbed after oral administration and peak levels are reached within an hour. Symptom relief may occur within 10-20 minutes of the first dose, with an average time of onset of 27 minutes. By 45 minutes, all patients should notice a reduction in their allergy symptoms. If not, seek further medical advice. View as a slideshow References Loratadine [Package Insert]. Revised 06/2010. Major Pharmaceuticals, Inc https://www.drugs.com/pro/loratadine-oral-solution.html Church MK, Church DS. Pharmacology of Antihistamines. Indian Journal of Dermatology. 2013;58(3):219-224. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.110832 Print this page More about loratadine Side Effects During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding Dosage Information Drug Images Drug Interactions Compare Alternatives Support Group Pricing & Coupons En Español 53 Reviews Add your own review/rating Drug class: antihistamines Consumer resources Loratadine Loratadine Capsules and Tablets Loratadine Chewable Tablets Loratadine Orally Disintegrating Tablets Loratadine Liquid Other brands: Claritin , Alavert , Wal-itin , Claritin Reditabs , ... +6 more Professional resources Loratadine (AHFS Monograph) ... +3 more Related treatment guides Allergic Rhinitis Urticaria Allergic Reactions Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use loratadine only for the indication prescribed. Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. It is an informational resource designed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugs.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of this information. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Copyright 1996-2017 Drugs.com. Revision Date: 2017-08-01 02:14:42 Drug Status Rx OTC Availability Rx and/or OTC B Pregnancy Category No proven risk in humans N/A CSA Schedule Not a controlled drug Approval History Drug history at FDA Manufacturers Apotex Corp. Lannett Company, Inc. Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. Perrigo Company Sandoz Inc. Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. NorthStar Rx LLC More... Drug Class Antihistamines Related Drugs Allergic Rhinitis prednisone , Zyrtec , promethazine , fluticasone nasal , cetirizine , Flonase , triamcinolone nasal , More... Urticaria Zyrtec , promethazine , cetirizine , Claritin , diphenhydramine , Benadryl , fexofenadine , doxepin , More... Allergic Reactions prednisone , promethazine , triamcinolone , diphenhydramine , Benadryl , EpiPen , Phenergan , epinephrine , More... Loratadine Rating 53 User Reviews 6.2 /10 53 User Reviews 6.2 Rate it! 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