Loratadine is a medicine to relieve allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, itchy skin rashes, or hives. In people who are allergic, exposure to triggering substances (allergens) will increase the production and work of histamine, resulting in allergic complaints and symptoms.
Loratadine is a second generation antihistamine drug. This drug works by blocking the action of histamine when a person is exposed to an allergen. That way the symptoms and complaints due to allergic reactions can subside. However, keep in mind that this drug cannot cure allergies.
This drug is not known to cross the blood or lining of the brain barrier, and thus may cause drowsiness less frequently. This drug should not be used carelessly and must be according to a doctor's prescription.
Loratadine trademarks: Alerhis, Allohex, Claritin, Cronitin, Inalergi, Inclarin, Loran, Lorahistin, Loratadine, Lorhis, Lotagen, Omellegar, Picadin
What is Loratadine
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Antihistamine |
| Benefit | Relieves allergy symptoms |
| Consumed by | Adults and children aged ≥2 years |
| Loratadine for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Loratadine may be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets, capsules and syrup |
Precautions Before Taking Loratadine
Loratadine needs to be used according to the doctor's instructions. Pay attention to the following things before taking loratadine:
- Do not take this drug if you are allergic to loratadine or desloratadine . Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have liver failure, kidney failure, epilepsy or porphyria .
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you plan to have an allergy test , while being treated with loratadine, because this drug can affect the results of the test.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while taking loratadine, because it can increase the risk of side effects.
- Do not do activities that require alertness, including driving a vehicle, after taking loratadine, because in some people this drug can cause drowsiness.
- See your doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction , serious side effects, or overdose, after taking loratadine.
Dosage and Rules for Use Loratadine
The dosage of loratadine will be determined by the doctor according to the patient's age, condition, and response to treatment. In general, here are the details of the loratadine dosage for treating allergies:
- Adults and children >12 years: 10 mg once daily or 5 mg twice daily.
- Children aged 2–12 years weighing > 30 kg: 10 mg once a day.
- Children aged 2–12 years weighing <30 kg: 5 mg once daily.
How to Take Loratadine Correctly
Use loratadine as directed by your doctor and read the information on the drug packaging. Do not increase or decrease the dose without doctor's advice. Loratadine is an allergy drug that is usually only used in the short term.
Loratadine can be taken before or after meals. As much as possible take the drug at the same time every day.
Loratadine in tablet or caplet form should be swallowed with the help of water, milk or juice. Do not bite or chew loratadine tablets or caplets, swallow the medicine whole.
For loratadine in syrup, you will need to shake the bottle first. Use a measuring spoon or measuring device that is available in the package so that the dosage is correct.
Stop taking loratadine and check with your doctor if your hives don't improve within 3 days of treatment. If you forget to take loratadine, consume it as soon as you remember. If the interval with the next dose is near, skip that dose and do not double the next dose.
Store loratadine in a place at room temperature where there is no humidity. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Loratadine Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several interaction effects that can occur if loratadine is used with other drugs, namely:
- Increased blood levels of loratadine when used with cimetidine , clarithromycin, erythromycin , or fluconazole
- Enhanced effect of everolimus or tacrolimus
- Decreased therapeutic effect of loratadine when used with barbiturate drugs , carbamazepine, rifampicin , or St John's Wort supplements
Loratadine Side Effects and Dangers
In some people, one of the side effects that can occur after taking loratadine is drowsiness. In addition, there are several other side effects that can occur, namely:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Stomach ache
- Vomit
- nervousness
- Dry mouth
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't improve or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects occur, such as:
- Heart palpitations or the heart beats irregularly ( arrhythmia )
- Very bad headache
- Feeling like you're about to faint