loratadine
Loratadine (Claritin) is an over-the-counter antihistamine. It's used to ease allergy symptoms, such as runny nose or watery eyes, in adults and children. Loratadine (Claritin) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. It's available in different formulations, such as tablets and oral solution. Loratadine (Claritin) is considered a non-drowsy medication because it's less likely to cause sleepiness than some other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Other side effects of this medication include headache and tiredness.
What is Loratadine (Claritin)?
What is Loratadine (Claritin) used for?
Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes)
How Loratadine (Claritin) works
Loratadine (Claritin) is an 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 (Claritin) helps relieve allergy symptoms.
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What are the side effects of Loratadine (Claritin)?
Common Side Effects
- Headache (12%)
- Sleepiness (8%)
- Fatigue (4%)
- Dry mouth (3%)
Other Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Cough
- Sore throat
Serious Side Effects
- Accidentally taking too much medication: fast heartbeat, flushing, extreme sleepiness, changes in vision, irritability in children
Source: DailyMed
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The following 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 to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Pros and cons of Loratadine (Claritin)
Pros
First-choice option for allergies
Appears to cause less sleepiness than diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Oral liquids and certain chewable tablets can be taken by children as young as 2 years old
Cons
Might not work as well in younger children compared to cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Might have a higher risk of side effects if you have liver or kidney problems
Tablets, capsules, and orally disintegrating tablets can't be used in children younger than 6 years.
Pharmacist tips for Loratadine (Claritin)
Loratadine (Claritin) can be taken only when you have allergy symptoms every once in a while. But if you have allergy symptoms on a daily basis, it's best to take the medication every day according to the manufacturer's directions to get the most relief.
If you have kidney or liver problems, don't use loratadine (Claritin) without talking to your healthcare team first to make sure it's safe for you to take. This is because you might have a higher risk of side effects from the medication.
Take loratadine (Claritin) with or without food. If it hurts your stomach, try taking it with food to help.
Loratadine (Claritin) might make you feel a little sleepy. Don't drive until you know how this medication affects you.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking loratadine (Claritin) because this combination raises your risk of sleepiness and dizziness.
Don't start any new medications while taking loratadine (Claritin), 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.
For the liquid form: Use a medication dose cup or an oral syringe to measure your dose of loratadine (Claritin). Ask your pharmacy to provide you with one if the product doesn't include it in its packaging or if you need extras. Don't use household spoons because they might not be accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose.
For the orally disintegrating tablet: Place the tablet on your tongue, and let it dissolve in your mouth. You can take it with or without water.
For the chewable tablet: Chew or crush the tablets before swallowing; don't swallow the tablets whole. You don't need to eat or drink anything when you take the medication.
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Frequently asked questions about Loratadine (Claritin)
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What are the risks and warnings for Loratadine (Claritin)?
Loratadine (Claritin) 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 (Claritin) | Taking other medications that cause sleepiness
Loratadine (Claritin) 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 (Claritin) and other antihistamines can be found in many over-the-counter products. Taking too much loratadine (Claritin) 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 (Claritin) 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)
Some chewable tablets and orally disintegrating tablets contain phenylalanine, a component of the artificial sweetener aspartame. If you have a genetic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU), taking these forms of loratadine (Claritin) can be dangerous for you. Read the manufacturer's label on the loratadine (Claritin) product you have to see if there's a warning for people with PKU. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure a particular loratadine (Claritin) is safe for you. There are other formulations of the medication that might be safer for you.
Loratadine (Claritin) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Loratadine (Claritin)
The dose and direction of loratadine (Claritin) can differ depending on the manufacturer and formulation of the medication you have. This medication comes in pills and oral liquids, chewable tablets, and orally disintegrating tablets.
Be sure to follow the medication box for specific instructions. In general:
Ages 6 years and older: The typical dose is 10 mg by mouth once per day. The maximum dose is 10 mg per day.
Ages 2 to under 6 years: The typical dose is 5 mg by mouth once per day. The maximum dose is 5 mg per day.
Ages under 2 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.
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How much does Loratadine (Claritin) cost?
What are alternatives to Loratadine (Claritin)?
Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes)
Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat)
Relief of itchiness due to chronic (long-term) hives - by prescription only
Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat)
Relief of itchiness due to chronic (long-term) hives in children ages 6 months to under 6 years old - certain liquid solutions only
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References
Best studies we foundAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Hives: Diagnosis and treatment.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). What medicine can I take for allergies while I’m pregnant?
Bayer HealthCare LLC. (2023). Children Claritin Allergy- loratadine solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Bayer HealthCare LLC. (2023). Claritin Chewable Cool Mint Flavor- loratadine tablet, chewable [package insert]. DailyMed.
Bayer HealthCare LLC. (2023). Claritin- loratadine tablet, chewable [package insert]. DailyMed.
Bayer HealthCare LLC. (2023). Claritin Reditabs- loratadine tablet, orally disintegrating [package insert]. DailyMed.
Borowy, C. S., et al. (2023). Antihistamine toxicity. StatPearls.
Casale, T. B., et al. (2003). First do no harm: Managing antihistamine impairment in patients with allergic rhinitis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Juniper, E. F., et al. (2005). Clinical outcomes and adverse effect monitoring in allergic rhinitis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
National Human Genome Research Institute. (2014). About phenylketonuria.
Schering Corporation. (2000). Claritin® brand of loratadine tablets, syrup, and rapidly-disintegrating tablets.
Seidman, M. D., et al. (2015). Clinical Practice Guideline: Allergic rhinitis. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.
Sienra-Monge, J. J., et al. (1999). Double-blind comparison of cetirizine and loratadine in children ages 2 to 6 years with perennial allergic rhinitis. American Journal of Therapeutics.
Tenn, M. W., et al. (2018). Onset of action for loratadine tablets for the symptomatic control of seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults challenged with ragweed pollen in the Environmental Exposure Unit: A post hoc analysis of total symptom score. Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology.
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