Loratadine is an antihistamine drug used to reduce the symptoms of allergy in adults and children.
This medicine can be found under the brand name Claritin or in generic form and is available in syrup and tablets, and should only be used if recommended by your doctor.
What is it for
Loratadine belongs to a class of medications known as antihistamines, which help reduce the symptoms of allergy by preventing the effects of histamine, which is a substance produced by the body itself.
Thus, loratadine can be used to relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as itchy nose, runny nose, sneezing, burning and itching of the eyes. In addition, it can also be used to relieve signs and symptoms of urticaria and other skin allergies.
How to take
Loratadine is available in syrup and tablets and the recommended dosage for each is as follows:
Tablets
For adults and children over 12 years or with body weight over 30 kg the usual dose is 1 tablet of 10 mg once a day.
Syrup
For adults and children over 12 years of age the usual dose is 10 ml of loratadine once daily.
For children 2 to 12 years old with body weight below 30 kg the indicated dose is 5 ml once daily.
Who should not use
This medication is contraindicated for people who have demonstrated any type of allergic reaction to any of the components of the formula.
In addition, loratadine should also not be used in pregnancy, breastfeeding or in people with liver or kidney disease. However, your doctor may prescribe this medicine if you think the benefits outweigh the risks.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects that can occur with the use of loratadine are headache, tiredness, upset stomach, nervousness, and skin rashes.
In rare cases hair loss, severe allergic reactions, liver problems, increased heart rate, palpitations and dizziness may also occur.
Loratadine usually does not cause dry mouth or give sleep.
Are Loratadine and Desloratadine the same thing?
Loratadine and desloratadine are both antihistamines and act in the same way, blocking the H1 receptors, thus preventing the action of histamine, which is the substance that causes allergy symptoms.
However, they do show some differences. Desloratadine is obtained from loratadine, resulting in a medicine that has a longer half-life, which means that it stays longer in the body, and in addition its structure is less able to cross the brain and cause drowsiness in relation to loratadine .
