Loratadine

 

1. Generic Name & Brand Names

• Generic Name: Loratadine

• Common Brands:

  • Claritin® (Global)

  • Alavert® (US, ODT tablets)

  • Clarityn® (UK/EU)

  • Lorfast® (India)

  • Generic/store brands (e.g., "Non-Drowsy Allergy Relief")

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2. Dosage Forms

• Oral:

  • Tablets (10 mg)

  • Rapid-Dissolve Tablets (ODT, 10 mg)

  • Syrup/Solution (1 mg/mL)

  • Chewable Tablets (5 mg - pediatric)

• No topical/injectable forms

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3. Drug Class

• Second-Generation H₁ Antihistamine

• Non-sedating (minimal CNS penetration)

• Anti-allergic, antipruritic (anti-itch)

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4. Uses

• Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever):

  • Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes/nose/throat

• Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria:

  • Hives of unknown cause

• Allergy-Driven Itching:

  • Eczema flares, insect bites

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5. Side Effects

Common (≥1%)	Rare (<1%)
Headache (12%)	Tachycardia
Fatigue (8%)	Hypersensitivity reactions
Dry mouth (3%)	Hepatitis
Minimal drowsiness	Alopecia (hair loss)

*Note: Sedation risk <2% (vs. 50% for 1st-gen like diphenhydramine)*

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6. Key Warnings

• Hepatic Impairment:

  • ↓ Dose for severe liver disease (start 10 mg every other day)

• Pregnancy/Lactation:

  • Category B: Use only if clearly needed

• Drug Interactions:

  • Erythromycin/Ketoconazole: ↑ Loratadine levels (monitor)

  • Alcohol: Minimal interaction (unlike 1st-gen antihistamines)

• Not for:

  • Asthma attacks or anaphylaxis

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7. How to Take

Group	Standard Dose	Timing
Adults & ≥6 years	10 mg once daily	Anytime
Children 2-5 years	5 mg (syrup/chewable)	Once daily

• Key Notes:

  • Food delays absorption: Take 1-2 hours before/after meals for fastest effect

  • ODT Tablets: Dissolve on tongue (no water needed)

  • Onset: 1-3 hours; Duration: 24+ hours

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8. Missed Dose

• Take ASAP if <12 hours late

• Skip if >12 hours; resume next day

• Never double dose

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9. Overdose

• Symptoms: Headache, tachycardia, drowsiness (rare)

• Action:

  • Activated charcoal if recent ingestion

  • Supportive care (no specific antidote)

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10. Drug Interactions

Medication	Effect
Cimetidine	↑ Loratadine levels
Amitriptyline	↑ Anticholinergic effects
Grapefruit Juice	↓ Effectiveness (theoretical)

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11. Storage

• Temperature: 15-30°C (59-86°F)

• Humidity: Keep ODT tablets in blister until use

• Syrup: Discard after 1 year of opening

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Critical Safety Notes:

⚠️ "Non-Drowsy" ≠ Absolute:

• Fatigue occurs in 8% - avoid driving until tolerance confirmed.
  ⚠️ Pediatric Dosing:

• Approved for ≥2 years (syrup) - avoid adult tablets in young children.
  ⚠️ Symptom Timing:

• For hay fever: Take before pollen exposure (e.g., morning).
  ⚠️ Chronic Use:

• Safe for long-term management (studied up to 1 year).

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Loratadine vs. Other Antihistamines:

Feature	Loratadine	Cetirizine	Fexofenadine
Dose	10 mg daily	10 mg daily	180 mg daily
Onset	1-3 hours	30-60 min	1-3 hours
Sedation Risk	Lowest (2%)	Moderate (10-15%)	Lowest (1%)
Renal Adjustment	Not required	Required	Required

OTC Status: Available without prescription in most countries for ages 6+.

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✅ Clinical Tip: Combine with intranasal corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone) for severe allergic rhinitis per guidelines. Loratadine alone may be insufficient for nasal congestion