Loratadine for allergies

About loratadine

Loratadine belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines - it is an anti-allergy medicine. It stops the effects of a naturally occurring substance called histamine and this helps to relieve the symptoms of allergies such as hay fever and urticaria.

Exposure to substances such as pollen, pet fur, house dust or insect bites can cause your body to produce allergic symptoms. Cells in the lining of your nose and eyes release histamine when they come into contact with these substances. This leads to inflammation in your nose and eyes, which produces symptoms such as sneezing and watery eyes.

Urticaria is a condition where an itchy skin rash develops. The rash can be triggered by an allergy to a substance such as a soap or a detergent.

Loratadine can be prescribed for you by a doctor or dentist, or you can buy it without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets. Tablet formulations are generally suitable for adults and older children, whereas oral liquid medicine is available for younger children. Loratadine is not suitable for children under 2 years of age.

Before taking loratadine

To make sure that this is the right treatment for you (or your child), before you (or they) start taking loratadine it is important that you discuss the treatment with a doctor or pharmacist if:

• You/they are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.

• You/they have any liver problems. If so, the recommended dose may need to be reduced.

• You/they have a rare inherited blood disorder called porphyria.

• You/they are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines being taken which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• You/they have ever had an allergic reaction to another antihistamine, or to any other medicine.

How to take loratadine

• Before starting the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about loratadine dosage, and it will also provide you with a full list of side-effects which could be experienced from taking it.

• Recommended doses of loratadine are:
  

  • For adults and for children aged over 12 years: 10 mg taken once a day.

  • For children aged over 2 years and weighing 31 kg or more: 10 mg taken once a day.

  • For children aged over 2 years and weighing less than 31 kg: 5 mg taken once a day.

• If you are giving loratadine liquid medicine to a child, make sure you follow the dosing instructions on the bottle carefully so that you measure out the correct dose for the weight of your child.

• You can take loratadine either with or without food. Some people find it helps to swallow the tablets with a drink of water.

• If you forget to take a dose, don't worry, just take the next dose when it is needed and then continue as before. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Most people only need to take an antihistamine for a short while when they have symptoms. You should stop taking loratadine once your symptoms have eased.

• Although loratadine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, it can still cause drowsiness in a few people. If you are affected by drowsiness, do not drive, do not use a bicycle, and do not use tools or machines.

• If you drink alcohol while you are taking loratadine, be aware of its effects on you and do not drink more than moderate amounts. Alcohol can increase the risk of experiencing side-effects from antihistamines - for instance, you may feel more drowsy than usual.

• If you are having an operation, or any treatment or tests (particularly if it is to test for an allergy), make sure you say that you are taking an antihistamine.

• If you buy any medicines 'over the counter', check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with an antihistamine. This is because a number of other medicines can increase the risk of side-effects.

Loratadine side-effects

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the more common ones associated with loratadine. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer's information leaflet in the reference section below. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to loratadine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store loratadine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines