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loratadine
Used for Allergic Rhinitis
Used for Allergic Rhinitis
Loratadine (Alavert) is an over-the-counter antihistamine that's used to treat allergy symptoms, such as runny nose and sneezing. It's an orally disintegrating loratadine tablet. Loratadine (Alavert) is dissolved by mouth, typically once daily. It can be taken by adults and children ages 6 years and older. Side effects of loratadine (Alavert) are similar to that of loratadine (Claritin) and can include headache and drowsiness.
What is Loratadine (Alavert)?
What is Loratadine (Alavert) used for?
- Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes)
How Loratadine (Alavert) works
Loratadine (Alavert) is second-generation antihistamine. It blocks histamine, a natural chemical in your body that can cause allergy symptoms like itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. In doing so, loratadine (Alavert) helps relieve allergy symptoms.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Alavert, Claritin Reditabs |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antihistamine |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Loratadine (Alavert)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Note: The following side effects are based on reports from people taking the Claritin brand:
- Headache (12%)
- Sleepiness (8%)
- Fatigue (4%)
- Dry mouth (3%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Cough
- Sore throat
Loratadine (Alavert) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Accidentally taking too much medication: fast heartbeat, flushing, extreme sleepiness, changes in vision, irritability in children
The following Loratadine (Alavert) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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$7.81
Pros and cons of Loratadine (Alavert)
Pros
- Loratadine is a first-choice option for allergies
- Causes less drowsiness (sleepiness) than first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Dissolved on the tongue, good for people who can't swallow tablets
Cons
- Can't split the dissolvable tablets
- Not approved for children younger than 6 years old
- Might have a higher risk of side effects if you have liver or kidney problems
Pharmacist tips for Loratadine (Alavert)
- Make sure your hands are dry before you touch the loratadine (Alavert) tablets. Because this is a fast-melting tablet, it can melt if your hands are wet or moist. Wash and dry your hands completely before taking a dose.
- Place the loratadine (Alavert) tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve in your mouth and swallow your saliva. You can take this medication with or without water.
- Loratadine (Alavert) might make you feel a little sleepy. Don't drive or do anything that needs a lot of focus and attention until you know how this medication affects you.
- Don't drink alcohol while taking loratadine (Alavert) because doing so can worsen certain side effects, such as sleepiness and dizziness.
- Loratadine (Alavert) can be taken only when you have allergy symptoms every once in a while. But if you have allergy symptoms on a daily basis, taking it every day will likely get you the most relief.
- If you have kidney or liver problems, you're at higher risk of side effects. Don't use loratadine (Alavert) without talking to your healthcare team first to make sure it's safe for you to take.
- Don't start any new medications while taking loratadine (Alavert), especially other antihistamines, without talking to your HCP or pharmacist first. Doing so can raise your risk of taking too much medication (overdose) and lead to severe side effects, including seizures, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real), and even death.
- Store loratadine (Alavert) up and away from children and pets so they're less likely to reach and accidentally take the medication. If you think your child accidentally took the medication, call a Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.
Risks and warnings for Loratadine (Alavert)
Loratadine (Alavert) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Sleepiness
- Risk factors: Drinking alcohol while taking loratadine (Alavert) | Taking other medications that cause sleepiness
Loratadine (Alavert) might make you sleepy, which can affect your ability to focus, think, or react. This side effect is more likely to happen if you drink alcohol while taking this medication or other medications that also cause sleepiness (e.g., opioids, certain anxiety medications, sleep medications). Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Accidentally taking too much medication
Loratadine (Alavert) and other antihistamines can be found in many over-the-counter products. Taking too much loratadine (Alavert) or using more than one medication containing an antihistamine (including products used on the skin) can lead to an accidental overdose and cause serious side effects, such as seizures, hallucinations, or even death.
To prevent an accidental overdose, read package labels carefully. If you're not sure if a product has an antihistamine, ask your pharmacist. Don't start any new medications while taking loratadine (Alavert) without talking to your HCP or pharmacist first. If you think you or your loved one has taken too much medication, get medical help right away or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU)
Loratadine (Alavert) comes as a orally dissolving tablet that contains phenylalanine, a component of the artificial sweetener aspartame. If you have a genetic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU), taking loratadine (Alavert) can be dangerous for you. Ask your pharmacist for recommendations on other formulations of loratadine that might be safer for you.
Loratadine (Alavert) dosage
The average cost for 30 tablets of 24 hour of Loratadine (Alavert) is $7.81 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 54.09% off the average retail price of $17.01. 
Orally disintegrating tab
Orally disintegrating tab| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 hour | 30 orally disintegrating tabs | $9.70 | $0.32 |
Typical dosage for Loratadine (Alavert)
- Ages 6 years and older: The typical dose is 10 mg dissolved on the tongue once per day.
- Ages under 6 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.
How much does Loratadine (Alavert) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What are alternatives to Loratadine (Alavert)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Loratadine (Alavert). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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