What is loratadine?
Loratadine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body.
Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Loratadine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, watery eyes, and
runny nose. It is also used to treat skin hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions.
Loratadine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking loratadine?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to loratadine or to
desloratadine (Clarinex).
Before taking loratadine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
-
kidney disease; or
-
liver disease.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take loratadine.
FDA pregnancy category B: This medication is not expected to be harmful to an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Loratadine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Loratadine disintegrating tablets (Claritin Reditab, Alavert) may contain phenylalanine.
Talk to your doctor before using this form of loratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old without the advice of
a doctor.
How should I take loratadine?
Take this medication as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not
take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Loratadine is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not crush, chew, or break the regular loratadine tablet. Swallow the pill whole.
Measure liquid form of loratadine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a
regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
To take loratadine orally disintegrating tablet (Claritin RediTab, Alavert):
-
Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the
medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet
through the foil or you may damage the tablet.
-
Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it on your
tongue. It will begin to dissolve right away.
-
Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in
your mouth without chewing.
-
Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired,
you may drink water to help swallow the dissolved tablet.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
Store loratadine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of loratadine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about loratadine?
Your pharmacist has information about loratadine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of loratadine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
fast or uneven heart rate;
-
feeling like you might pass out;
-
jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes); or
-
seizures (convulsions).
Less serious side effects may include:
-
headache;
-
nervousness;
-
feeling tired or drowsy;
-
stomach pain, diarrhea;
-
dry mouth, sore throat hoarseness;
-
eye redness, blurred vision;
-
nosebleed; or
-
skin rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about loratadine?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to loratadine or to
desloratadine (Clarinex).
Before taking loratadine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have
liver or kidney disease.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old without the advice of
a doctor.
Loratadine disintegrating tablets (Claritin Reditab) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to
your doctor before using this form of loratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
What should I avoid while taking loratadine?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity
while you are using loratadine.
What other drugs will affect loratadine?
There may be other drugs that can affect loratadine. Tell your doctor about all the
prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without
telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of loratadine?