Loratadine Dosage, Warnings, Side Effects, Brand Name & Uses
Loratadine is an antihistamine used to prevent allergic reactions and treat hay fever. It may be used to alleviate common symptoms of allergies including itching, watering eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. In the following article, we discuss the brand name, dosage, side effects, and warnings of loratadine. We also answer the questions what is loratadine used for and how does loratadine work.
Loratadine Dosage
Your dosage for loratadine may depend on many factors, including the following:
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Your age
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Your weight
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Strength of dosage
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Severity of allergic reactions
Adult Dosage For Allergic Rhinitis:
Initial Dose: 10 mg orally once a day
Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
Usual Pediatric Dosage For Allergic Rhinitis:
2 to 5 years old: 5 mg orally once a day.
6 years and older: 10 mg orally once a day.
Adult Dosage For Urticaria:
Initial Dose: 10 mg orally once a day.
Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
Usual Pediatric Dosage For Urticaria:
2 to 5 years old: 5 mg orally once a day.
6 years and older: 10 mg orally once a day.
What is Loratadine?
Loratadine is an antihistamine used to treat symptoms of allergic reaction and hay fever. It can improve and help prevent itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. While loratadine can be useful in temporarily relieving symptoms, it cannot completely cure allergies.
Loratadine Warnings
You should not take loratadine if you are allergic to loratadine or the associated medication desloratadine. Doing so can result in a serious allergic reaction.
Many chewable forms of loratadine contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using these forms of loratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if you have liver or kidney disease.
Loratadine Brand Name
Loratadine is most often available as the brand name drug Claritan. However, it can also be purchased under the less common brand name Alavert.
What Is Loratadine Used For?
As an antihistamine medicine, loratadine is useful in treating symptoms of allergies and hay fever. It helps to reduce itching and swelling and prevent runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. Loratadine helps to fortify the immune system, allowing it to better protect against allergens such as pollen and dust.
How Does Loratadine Work?
Loratadine works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that contributes to allergic reactions. Histamine is a chemical that is released by white blood cells into the bloodstream when the immune system is threatened by a potential allergen.
When released, histamine often causes an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can be triggered by many substances including pollen, mold, and certain foods.
Loratadine Side Effects
Loratadine does have some associated side effects. Some side effects are more serious and less common than others.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of loratadine include:
- Headache
- Nose bleed
- Sore throat
- Dry mouth
- Mouth sores
- Nervousness
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Stomach pain
- Red or itchy eyes
If these side effects are mild, they may disappear within a few days. If you have stopped taking your medication and the effects are still present, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects
If you are experiencing any of the following serious side effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Call 911 if you think your symptoms are life threatening.
- Rash
- Itching
- Hives
- Swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Wheezing
Loratadine Dosage, Warnings, Side Effects, Brand Name & Uses: Summary
Loratadine is an antihistamine used to treat symptoms of allergic reaction and hay fever. It can improve and help prevent itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.
As an antihistamine medicine, loratadine is useful in treating symptoms of allergies and hay fever. Loratadine helps to fortify the immune system, allowing it to better protect against allergens such as pollen and dust.
