loratadine

Loratadine starts working to relieve allergy symptoms within 1 to 3 hours. It might take 8 to 12 hours before you feel the full effects of the medication.

Take Loratadine once a day. This medication should work to relieve allergy symptoms for about 24 hours. Check the instructions on the medication box to be sure. It might differ depending on the product you have, for example Claritin RediTabs 12-Hour. Ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist if you're not sure.

Yes, Loratadine can make some people feel drowsy or sleepy. But it's less likely to cause sleepiness than other allergy medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl). This is because Loratadine is less likely to reach areas of the brain that cause sleepiness. If you feel too drowsy after taking this medication, tell your primary care provider or pharmacist. They might ask you to take it closer to bedtime or consider other options.

No. Don't take Loratadine and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) together unless a healthcare professional says it's okay. Both are antihistamines, and taking two at the same time can raise the risk of side effects. This can include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and behavior changes. But you can switch between the two. If you want to switch from Loratadine to diphenhydramine (Benadryl), wait 24 hours after your last loratadine dose. If you're switching the other way around, wait at least 6 hours before taking Loratadine.

It's best to limit how much alcohol you drink or avoid alcohol while taking Loratadine. This allergy medication might make you feel sleepy or dizzy. These side effects might be worse if you take the medication with alcohol. Talk to a healthcare professional about your drinking habits and how to take Loratadine safely.

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and Loratadine are both over-the-counter antihistamines. They both work well for allergies. But cetirizine (Zyrtec) might start working a little faster than Loratadine. Both are called non-drowsy allergy medications, though some people might still feel sleepy from them. This is slightly more likely with cetirizine (Zyrtec) than with Loratadine. Ask a healthcare professional to help you compare and decide which is best for you.

Loratadine is an option for relieving itching and swelling from hives. If you get hives often, let your dermatologist or primary care provider know. They can work with you to find what's causing the hives and ways to avoid triggers. But get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing or swelling of your tongue or mouth, along with hives. These can be signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction.