loratadine at a glance
Medicine class
Selective peripheral H1-antihistamine.
Licensed uses
Symptom relief in allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Food
The tablets and syrup may be taken with or without food.
Alertness
Usually less sedating than older antihistamines, but sleepiness can still occur.
What is loratadine used for?
The selected UK products are licensed for symptomatic treatment of:
Allergic rhinitis, including sneezing, an itchy or runny nose, and itchy or burning eyes.
Chronic idiopathic urticaria, including itching, redness and hives.
How does loratadine work?
Loratadine selectively blocks peripheral histamine H1 receptors. This reduces histamine-driven itching, swelling, sneezing and nasal or eye symptoms; its active metabolite, desloratadine, contributes substantially to the effect.
loratadine preparations and strengths
Syrup
Route: Oral
Strengths: 1 mg/mL, 5 mg/5 mL
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 10 mg
How to take loratadine
Follow the instructions for the specific product or those given by a healthcare professional.
Take by mouth, with or without food.
Swallow the tablet as directed on the pack.
The syrup can be swallowed without additional water; use the supplied measuring cup rather than a household spoon.
Check that the formulation is suitable for the child's age and weight.
loratadine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Sleepiness
- Headache
- Increased appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- In children: headache, nervousness or tiredness
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including angioedema or anaphylaxis
- Seizure
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Signs of liver dysfunction, such as yellow skin or eyes or dark urine
loratadine in pregnancy
UK patient and specialist pregnancy sources state that loratadine can be used during pregnancy and available evidence does not show fetal harm or a need for extra monitoring solely because of exposure. The selected product SmPCs recommend precautionary avoidance, so check the specific product and discuss treatment with a pharmacist, midwife or prescriber.
loratadine interactions
Tell a pharmacist or prescriber about other medicines, including non-prescription and herbal products.
Ketoconazole and other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
May increase loratadine concentrations and the likelihood of adverse effects.
Erythromycin
Can increase loratadine concentrations, although controlled studies did not identify clinically significant ECG changes.
Common questions about loratadine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does loratadine make you sleepy?
It is classed as a less-sedating antihistamine, but some people still become sleepy. Do not drive, cycle or use machinery if your alertness is affected.
How quickly does loratadine start working?
Antihistamine effects are generally apparent within a few hours, although individual response varies.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.