loratadine

Loratadine (Claritin) typically starts to relieve allergy symptoms within 1 to 3 hours. But it might take 8 to 12 hours before you experience the full effects of the medication. How quickly loratadine (Claritin) works might also depend on the dosage form (e.g., tablet, capsule, liquid, etc.) of loratadine (Claritin) you're taking. For example, loratadine (Claritin) tablets might work faster than the capsules.

In general, adults and children ages 6 years and older can take up to 10 mg of loratadine (Claritin) per day. And children ages 2 to under 6 years can take up to 5 mg of loratadine (Claritin) per day. Don't take more than the maximum recommended dose unless your healthcare professional specifically said it was safe to do so.

Yes, loratadine (Claritin) can make you feel drowsy (sleepy). But it's less likely to do so compared to other antihistamines, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl). This is because loratadine (Claritin) is a second-generation antihistamine that isn't as likely to cross into the brain compared to first-generation antihistamines. Let your primary care provider or pharmacist know if loratadine (Claritin) is making you too drowsy to go about your day. They might ask you to take it closer to bedtime or consider other options.

No, you should avoid taking loratadine (Claritin) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) together, unless instructed by your primary care provider. Both medications are antihistamines and taking them together raises your risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. If you want to switch from loratadine (Claritin) to diphenhydramine (Benadryl), you'll typically need to wait 24 hours after your last dose of loratadine before starting diphenhydramine.

No, don't take loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) together. They're both second-generation antihistamines. You'll likely have more side effects without additional allergy symptom relief by taking both. In general, both antihistamines work similarly well for treating allergy symptoms. Talk with your primary care provider if you've more questions about any specific antihistamine.

Loratadine (Claritin) is one of the options suggested by the American Academy of Dermatology Association to help ease itching and swelling from hives. Let your dermatologist or primary care provider know if you tend to get hives often. They can work with you to identify and avoid triggers. But get medical help right away if you experience trouble breathing or swelling of the tongue or in the mouth, along with hives. These are signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction that needs medical attention right away.