
Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- dry mouth, nose, or throat;
- mild dizziness; or
- sleep problems (insomnia).
What should I avoid while taking loratadine?
Two common over-the-counter medications, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Claritin (loratadine), can make short work of your symptoms. So it’s natural to wonder: Could you get extra relief if you take them together? The short answer is no. In fact, you’ll likely do more harm than good.
Does loratadine work same as Benadryl?
Claritin (loratadine): Loratidine, while described as a non- sedating antihistamine, can still cause drowsiness in some individuals. It is still an antihistamine. Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free!
Does loratadine make you drowsy or keep you awake?
Loratadine medicine is an antihistamine which effectively lowers natural chemical histamine effects in the human body. The symptoms of histamine are itching, runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. Loratadine medicine is for effective treatment of hives, cold, runny nose, itching, skin rash, watery eyes, sneezing or any other allergy symptoms.
How effective is loratadine?

What symptoms does loratadine treat?
Loratadine is used to temporarily relieve the symptoms of hay fever (allergy to pollen, dust, or other substances in the air) and other allergies. These symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, nose, or throat. Loratadine is also used to treat itching and redness caused by hives.
Can loratadine be used for cough?
Conclusions: The study suggests that loratadine may be beneficial in the treatment of allergic cough, as well as in rhinoconjunctivitis.
When should I take loratadine?
You can take Claritin (loratadine) in the morning or at night, with or without food. Claritin (loratadine) typically causes less drowsiness compared to other antihistamines, but some people may feel a little sleepy while taking this medication.
What is the benefit of loratadine?
LORATADINE (lor AT a deen) is an antihistamine. It helps to relieve sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies. It is also used to treat itchy skin rash and hives.
Can loratadine be used for sore throat?
Your doctor may recommend a prescription-strength medication if your allergies are severe or consistent. They also may recommend decongestants or nasal sprays to help prevent postnasal drip that can lead to sore throats. Shop for loratadine and cetirizine online.
Is loratadine used for flu?
Loratadine (Claritin®), available (OTC), is a non-drowsy alternative, but may not be as effective as other antihistamines for reducing cold and flu symptoms. Other OTC antihistamines include Allegra®, Zyrtec® and Xyzal®.
How quickly does loratadine work?
Onset of action is within 1 hour and duration is at least 24 hours. Once-daily dosing is recommended. Generally, loratadine is as efficacious as existing antihistamines in relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and in suppressing wheal formation.
Who should not take loratadine?
If you are using the tablets or capsules, do not use in children younger than 6 years unless directed by the doctor. If you are using the liquid or chewable tablets, do not use in children younger than 2 years unless directed by the doctor.
Do loratadine make you sleepy?
Loratadine is called a non-drowsy antihistamine; however, it can still cause drowsiness in a few people. Make sure your reactions are normal before you drive, or before using tools or machines.
Can you take loratadine with antibiotics?
No interactions were found between loratadine and Triple Antibiotic. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
How long should I take loratadine?
See your doctor if your mild allergy symptoms have not improved after three days of treatment with loratadine, or if your hives persist for more than six weeks despite taking loratadine. Discontinue loratadine tablets once your allergy symptoms have resolved.
Can I take loratadine with vitamin C?
Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between loratadine and Vitamin C. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to loratadine or to desloratadine (Clarinex).Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you...
How Should I Take Loratadine?
Use loratadine exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recomm...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.Overdose symptoms may include headache, drowsiness, and fast or pou...
Loratadine Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose of Loratadine for Allergic Rhinitis:10 mg orally once a dayUsual Adult Dose for Urticaria:10 mg orally once a dayUsual Pediatric D...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Loratadine?
Other drugs may interact with loratadine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your h...
Can you take a drowsy pill while pregnant?
These side effects can increase the risk of falling. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this drug.
Can loratadine cause allergic reactions?
Precautions. Before taking loratadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to desloratadine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Can you take loratadine with epinephrine?
This medication is an antihistamine that treats symptoms such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from " hay fever " and other allergies. It is also used to relieve itching from hives. Loratadine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a serious allergic reaction ( anaphylaxis ). Therefore, if your doctor has prescribed epinephrine to treat allergic reactions, always carry your epinephrine injector with you. Do not use loratadine in place of your epinephrine.If you are self-treating with this medication, it is important to read the manufacturer's package instructions carefully so you know when to consult your doctor or pharmacist. (See also Precautions section.)If you are using the tablets or capsules, do not use in children younger than 6 years unless directed by the doctor. If you are using the liquid or chewable tablets, do not use in children younger than 2 years unless directed by the doctor.
Can you self treat with Loratadine?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. Do not self-treat with this medication without consulting your doctor first if you have certain medical conditions such as: kidney disease, liver disease. Loratadine does not usually cause drowsiness when used at recommended doses.
What is Loratadine used for?
Last updated on Oct 5, 2020. 1. How it works. Loratadine is an antihistamine that works selectively on peripheral histamine-1 (H-1) receptors (these are histamine receptors that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord).
How long does it take for loratadine to work?
Loratadine is well absorbed after oral administration and peak levels are reached within an hour. Symptom relief may occur within 10-20 minutes of the first dose, with an average time of onset of 27 minutes. By 45 minutes, all patients should notice a reduction in their allergy symptoms.
What is the name of the drug that binds to histamine receptors?
Loratadine binds to histamine receptors and prevents histamine from affecting that receptor, which reduces the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Loratadine belongs to the group of drugs known as antihistamines. Loratadine may also be called an H1-antihistamine, a second-generation antihistamine, or a nonsedating antihistamine.
What medications interact with Loratadine?
Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. Common medications that may interact with loratadine include: amiodarone. celecoxib.
What are the side effects of loratadine?
Downsides. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: A headache, fatigue, tiredness, or a dry mouth. Side effects are generally uncommon at recommended dosages.
Can you take loratadine every day?
During the pollen season, your doctor may advise you to take it every day if you suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis. Although loratadine is unlikely to make you drowsy, some people are susceptible to this effect. Do not drive or operate machinery if loratadine makes you drowsy.
Can you take Loratadine with epinephrine?
Loratadine is not a substitute for epinephrine which is used for the treatment of severe allergies and anaphylaxis.
What is Loratadine used for?
Expand Section. Loratadine is used to temporarily relieve the symptoms of hay fever (allergy to pollen, dust, or other substances in the air) and other allergies. These symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, nose, or throat. Loratadine is also used to treat itching and redness caused by hives.
How long does loratadine last?
Stop taking loratadine and call your doctor if your hives do not improve during the first 3 days of your treatment or if your hives last longer than 6 weeks. If you do not know the cause of your hives, call your doctor.
What to do if you are allergic to loratadine?
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to loratadine, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in loratadine preparations. Check the package label for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking ...
What are the side effects of loratadine?
Some side effects may be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking loratadine and call your doctor immediately: 1 rash 2 hives 3 itching 4 swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs 5 hoarseness 6 difficulty breathing or swallowing 7 wheezing
How often should I take loratadine?
It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Follow the directions on the package label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take loratadine exactly as directed.
What happens if you stop taking loratadine?
Some side effects may be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking loratadine and call your doctor immediately: rash. hives. itching. swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs. hoarseness.
Can you use loratadine in place of epinephrine?
If your doctor suspects that you may experience anaphylaxis with your hives, he may prescribe an epinephrine injector (EpiPen). Do not use loratadine in place of the epinephrine injector.
What is loratadine used for?
About loratadine. Loratadine is an antihistamine medicine that relieves the symptoms of allergies. It's used to treat: hay fever. conjunctivitis (red itchy eyes) eczema. hives (urticaria) It's also used for reactions to insect bites and stings and for some food allergies.
How old do you have to be to take loratadine?
Loratadine tablets and melt-in-the-mouth tablets must only be taken by children aged between 2 and 12 years if they weigh 30kg or more.
What is the name of the medicine that is used to treat allergies to pollen?
Loratadine is a medicine called an antihistamine. When you come into contact with something you have an allergy to, such as pollen, animal hair or fur, house dust or insect bites, your body produces a chemical called histamine.
Is it safe to take loratadine while breastfeeding?
Loratadine and breastfeeding. It's usually safe to take loratadine if you're breastfeeding as only small amounts get into breast milk. If you're breastfeeding and your baby was premature or has other health problems, talk to your doctor before taking loratadine. 8. Cautions with other medicines.
Is it safe to take a lot of loratadine?
Loratadine is generally very safe. Taking too much is unlikely to harm you or your child. If you take an extra dose by mistake, you might get a headache, have a rapid heartbeat or feel sleepy. If this happens or you're concerned, contact your doctor.
Can you swallow loratadine?
Loratadine comes as 2 different types of tablet – ordinary and melt-in-the-mouth tablets. Swallow ordinary loratadine tablets with a drink of water, milk or juice. If the tablet has a score line, you can break it in half if you find it hard to swallow it whole. Do not chew it.
Can you take loratadine with liver failure?
Loratadine can be taken by adults and children aged 2 years and older. Loratadine isn't suitable for some people. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you: have had an allergy to loratadine or any other medicines in the past. have severe liver failure.
How to report loratadine side effects in Canada?
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Before taking loratadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to desloratadine; or if you have any other allergies.
Can you self treat with Loratadine?
Do not self-treat with this medication without consulting your doctor first if you have certain medical conditions such as: kidney disease, liver disease. Loratadine does not usually cause drowsiness when used at recommended doses.
Can you use loratadine in place of epinephrine?
Do not use loratadine in place of your epinephrine.If you are self-treating with this medication, it is important to read the manufacturer's package instructions carefully so you know when to consult your doctor or pharmacist. (See also Precautions section.)Do not use this medication in children younger than 6 years unless directed by the doctor.
Does Loratadine help with hives?
It is also used to relieve itching from hives. Loratadine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a serious allergic reaction ( anaphylaxis ). Therefore, if your doctor has prescribed epinephrine to treat allergic reactions, always carry your epinephrine injector with you.
How many drugs does loratidine interact with?
Loratidine has moderate interactions with at least 134 different drugs. Loratidine has mild interactions with at least 61 different drugs. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.
Does ethanol affect loratidine?
Effects of Drug Abuse. Effects of ethanol and other sedative drugs may be increased when used together with loratidine. Short-Term Effects. Effects of ethanol and other sedative drugs may be increased when used together with loratidine.
Can you take Claritin RediTabs all day?
Do not take Claritin, Claritin RediTabs, or QlearQuil All Day & All Night 24 hour Allergy Relief, if you are allergic to loratidine or any ingredients contained in this drug. Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Contraindications.
Can you take loratidine for kids?
If you are using the chewable tablets, do not use in children younger than 2 years unless directed by your doctor. Loratidine is available under the following different brand names: Claritin, Claritin RediTabs, and QlearQuil All Day & All Night 24 Hour Allergy Relief. Dosages of Loratidine: Adult and pediatric dosages: Syrup.
Can you use loratidine in place of epinephrine?
Do not use loratidine in place of epinephrine. If you are self-treating with this mediation, it is important to read the manufacturer's package instructions carefully so you know when to consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use this medication in children younger than 6 years unless directed by a doctor.
Can you use loratidine while pregnant?
Loratidine use in pregnancy may be acceptable . Either animal studies shows no risk but human studies and available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. Loratidine is excreted in breast milk, avoid use when lactating. AAP Committee states compatible with nursing.
Is loratidine a sedative?
Loratidine may be potentially inappropriate in this population ( Beers criteria) Effects of ethanol and other sedative drugs may be increased when used together with loratidine. Use caution with Benzyl alcohol, which is associated with the fatal toxicity, gasping syndrome in neonates.
Why do people take a sulfate supplement?
It is taken orally to combat the effects of allergen, like grasses, blooms, certain foods, and anything else that can trigger your allergies. It is sold over the counter and widely available. Most people take it before they are going to be in contact with their particular allergen.
Does Loratadine make dogs sleepy?
Side Effects of Loratadine. While an effective medication for allergens, there are some side effects. This drug can cause your dog's mouth to dry out, also the throat and eyes, as well. It can cause drowsiness and make your dog feel tired and sleepy, although this is rare.
Can dogs take Loratadine?
Side Effects in Dogs. Even giving the recommended dosage of Loratadine to your dog, it’s important to monitor them while they are on it. Watch for anything out of the ordinary. Side effects to watch for include the same as a human would experience.
Can you mix Loratadine with other medications?
Never exceed the dosage of Loratadine for your dog. Never mix Loratadine with any other medication. Always watch for adverse side effects, even if you have given the medication to the dog before.

How It Works
This medication is an antihistamine that treats symptoms such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from "hay fever" and other allergies. It is also used to relieve itching from hives. Loratadine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
May Treat: Allergic rhinitis · Allergic conjunctivitis · Sneezing · Chronic idiopathic urticaria
Brand Names: Claritin · Alavert · Claritin Liqui-Gel · Children's Claritin · Children's Loratadine and more
Drug Class: Antihistamines - 2nd Generation · Antihistamines - 2nd Generation - Piperidines
Availability: Prescription sometimes needed
Pregnancy: Consult your doctor
May Treat: Allergic rhinitis · Allergic conjunctivitis · Sneezing · Chronic idiopathic urticaria
Brand Names: Claritin · Alavert · Claritin Liqui-Gel · Children's Claritin · Children's Loratadine and more
Drug Class: Antihistamines - 2nd Generation · Antihistamines - 2nd Generation - Piperidines
Availability: Prescription sometimes needed
Pregnancy: Consult your doctor
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
Upsides
Downsides
Bottom Line
Tips
- Loratadine may be used to treat allergic reactions.
- Loratadine works selectively on peripheral histamine-1 (H-1) receptors (these are histamine receptors that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord). Because it acts on peripheral histamine...
- Histamine is a chemical that is released by mast cells in response to an allergen, and it is res…
- Loratadine may be used to treat allergic reactions.
- Loratadine works selectively on peripheral histamine-1 (H-1) receptors (these are histamine receptors that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord). Because it acts on peripheral histamine...
- Histamine is a chemical that is released by mast cells in response to an allergen, and it is responsible for many of the symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the mucous membranes,...
- Loratadine belongs to the group of drugs known as antihistamines. Loratadine may also be called an H1-antihistamine, a second-generation antihistamine, or a nonsedating antihistamine.
Response and Effectiveness
- Used to treat allergic-type reactions due to perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
- Effective at controlling symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose that occur as a result of other respiratory allergens.
- Can provide relief from the itching that occurs as a result of chronic urticaria (hives). Symptoms include raised, red, itchy bumps, streaks, or blotches on the skin.
- Used to treat allergic-type reactions due to perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
- Effective at controlling symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose that occur as a result of other respiratory allergens.
- Can provide relief from the itching that occurs as a result of chronic urticaria (hives). Symptoms include raised, red, itchy bumps, streaks, or blotches on the skin.
- May be used in the treatment of other allergic skin disorders.
Interactions
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. A headache, fatigue, tiredness, or a dry mouth. Side effects are generally uncommon at recommended dosages. 2. Generally does not cause drowsiness; however, some people may be affected so caution shoul…
Further Information
- Loratadine is an antihistamine that effectively treats allergic-type reactions such as hay fever and is unlikely to cause drowsiness.