Loratadine is a medication to relieve allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, itchy skin rash, or hives. In people who are allergic, exposure to triggering substances (allergens) will increase the production and work of histamine, resulting in complaints and allergic 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 can not cure allergies.
This drug is known not to cross the blood barrier or the lining of the brain, so it is less likely to cause drowsiness. This drug should not be used carelessly and must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription.
Loratadine trademark: Alerhis, Allahex, Claritin, Cronitin, Allergy, Inclarin, Loran, Lorahistin, Loratadine, Lorhis, Lotagen, Omellegar, Picadin
What is Loratadine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antihistamines |
| Benefit | Relieves allergy symptoms |
| Consumed by | Adults and children 2 years old |
| Loratadine for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not shown any 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, caplets and syrups |
Warnings Before Taking Loratadine
Loratadine needs to be used according to the doctor's instructions. Note the following points before taking loratadine:
- Do not take this medicine 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 you are taking loratadine, as this medicine may 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 right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose, after taking loratadine.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Loratadine
The dose of loratadine will be determined by the doctor according to the patient's age, condition, and response to treatment. In general, the following is a breakdown of loratadine doses for allergies:
- Adults and children >12 years old: 10 mg, once daily or 5 mg, twice daily.
- Children aged 2–12 years with weight >30 kgs:10 mg, 1 time a day.
- Children aged 2–12 years with weight <30kg: 5 mg, 1 time a day.
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 a doctor's advice. Loratadine is an allergy medication 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 tablet or caplet form, swallow the drug whole.
For loratadine in syrup form, you need to shake the bottle first. Use a measuring spoon or measuring device provided in the package to get the right dose.
Stop taking loratadine and see a doctor if your hives do not improve within 3 days of treatment. If you forget to take loratadine, take it as soon as you remember. If the time lag with the next dose is near, ignore the dose and do not double the next dose.
Store loratadine in a place at room temperature that is not damp. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Interactions of Loratadine with Other Drugs
There are several interactions that can occur if loratadine is used together 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 barbiturates, carbamazepine, rifampicin, or St John's Wort supplements
Side Effects and Dangers of Loratadine
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
- Throw up
- Feeling nervous
- dry mouth
Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not improve or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Very heavy headache
- Feeling like you're going to faint