Advertisment

Loratadine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and Interactions

Description and Composition of Loratadine

Advertisment
Loratadine is a potent, rapidly effective and long-acting non-sedative, histamine H, receptor antagonist, with anti-allergic properties. It comes in different dosage forms which includes tablets, capsules, Syrup etc.

Indications or uses of Loratadine

Loratadine is indicated for:
  1. Seasonal allergic rhinitis
  2. Perennial allergic rhinitis
  3. Sneezing, rhinorrhoea & itching
  4. Ocular itching and burning
  5. Chronic urticaria and other allergic dermatologic disorders,

Dosage and Administration of Loratadine

Adults and children above 12 years of age:

10 mg (1 Loratadine tablet) once-a-day.

Children:

6 – 12 years : 10 mg (1 Loratadine tablet) once-a-day.
2-5 years: 5 mg (1/2 Loratadine tablet or 5 ml of 5 mg/ 5ml Loratadine syrup) once-a-day
Safety and efficacy of Loratadine in children below 2 years of age have not yet been established.

Contraindications of Loratadine

Loratadine is contraindicated in patients who have hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to its component

Use of Loratadine in Special Populations 

Neonates: The drug is not normally used in neonates.
Children: The safety and efficacy of Loratadine in children below 2 years of age have not yet been established

Loratadine Use in Pregnancy and Lactation 

Loratadine should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to fetus or infant.

Drug Interactions with Loratadine

There are no reports of potentially hazardous interactions with other drugs. Psychomotor performance studies show that unlike other H, receptor antagonists, Loratadine does not potentiate the effect of alcohol when administered concomitantly with it.

Side Effects of Loratadine 

  • Rash
  • hives
  • itching
  • swelling in some areas (like: eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, arms, feet, ankles or lower legs),
  • hoarseness
  • difficulty in breathing or swallowing, wheezing.

Precautions to take while taking Loratadine 

Precaution is needed in patients with kidney or liver diseases, people with certain allergies and women who are pregnant or breast feeding.

Pharmaceutical Precautions 

Keep in a dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light.
Advertisment

48 comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *