Loratadine is a generic “non-drowsy” antihistamine that relieves upper respiratory allergy symptoms. Like its brand-name version, Claritin, loratadine can be purchased without a prescription and used as needed. Available in both children’s and adult formulations, loratadine is taken orally as a tablet, capsule, orally disintegrating tablet, chewable tablet, or flavored liquid.
Check our best Loratadine prices
Loratadine overview
BRAND NAMES:
Claritin, Alavert Allergy, Aller-Itin, Wal-Itin, XL-3 Allergy
Generic Names:
Loratadine
Uses:
Relieves upper respiratory allergy symptoms
Therapeutic Classes:
Antihistamine, respiratory agent
Forms:
Tablet, orally dissolving tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, oral solution (liquid)
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Loratadine used for?
Loratadine temporarily relieves the symptoms of upper respiratory allergies including sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, itchy throat, and itchy, watery eyes. Loratadine can be used to treat hives, but this is an unapproved, off-label use.
What form(s) does Loratadine come in?
Tablet
10 mg
Orally dissolving tablet
10 mg
Chewable tablet
5 mg
10 mg
Capsule (liquid-filled capsule)
10 mg
Oral solution (liquid)
5 mg/5 mL (1 mg/mL)
What are common Loratadine dosages?
For allergies or hay fever:
In adults: 10 mg taken once daily by mouth as needed
In children 2–5 years old: 5 mg once daily as needed (do not exceed 5 mg every 24 hours)
In children 6 years or older: 10 mg once daily as needed (do not exceed 10 mg every 24 hours)
Loratadine images - What does Loratadine look like?
Loratadine
100 tablets bottleLoratadine
120ml of 5mg/5ml bottleLoratadine
30 tablets bottleLoratadine
300 tablets bottleLoratadine
90 tablets bottleLoratadine
30 tablets boxLoratadine
10mg tablet
How to take Loratadine
Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription. Do not take a larger dose than instructed.
Do not take more than one dose every 24 hours.
How to take loratadine tablets:
Swallow the tablet whole.
Store loratadine tablets at room temperature protected from moisture.
How to take loratadine capsules:
Swallow the capsule whole with a drink of water.
Store loratadine liquid-filled capsules at room temperature. Do not freeze.
How to take loratadine chewable tablets:
Chew or crush tablets completely before swallowing.
If using children’s chewable tablets, children 6 years of age and older will require two tablets (10 mg) as their daily dose
Store loratadine chewable tablets at room temperature.
How to take loratadine orally dissolving tablets:
After you remove a rapidly disintegrating tablet from the blister packet, use it right away by putting the tablet on your tongue.
The tablet will break up and dissolve quickly.
You may take the tablet with or without water.
Store loratadine ODT tablets at room temperature.
How to administer loratadine oral solution:
The bottle does not need to be shaken before measuring a dose.
Measure the liquid with the dosing cup that comes with the medicine
Store loratadine oral solution at room temperature.
What to do if you miss a dose of Loratadine
If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it if it’s still needed.
If you take a missed dose, do not take another dose for at least 24 hours.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Loratadine contraindications - Who shouldn't take Loratadine?
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to loratadine, desloratadine, or any of the inactive ingredients in the product.
Loratadine warnings
Before using loratadine, talk to a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or kidney disease.
Do not give loratadine to a child younger than two years of age except under the advice of a healthcare provider.
Some loratadine chewable tablets, orally dissolving tablets, or oral solution products contain aspartame. People with phenylketonuria may have serious side effects if they take these products.
Loratadine interactions & what to avoid when taking Loratadine
Loratadine has no major drug interactions.
Loratadine side effects - How does Loratadine make you feel?
Serious side effects
Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Trouble breathing, chest tightness, wheezing
Seizures
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Headache
Drowsiness
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Ear pain
Sore throat
Dry mouth
Find more detailed information about loratadine side effects here.
Sources:
Children’s Loratadine loratadine chewable tablet drug summary, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Children’s ODT loratadine orally dissolving tablet drug summary, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Children’s Walitin loratadine solution drug summary, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Claritin Chewable Cool Mint Flavor loratadine chewable tablet drug summary, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Loratadine Allergy Relief loratadine tablet drug summary, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Loratadine drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)
Loratadine liquid-filled capsule drug summary, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Children’s ODT loratadine tablet drug summary, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Loratadine ODT loratadine orally dissolving tablet drug summary, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Subscribe to our savings newsletter
Health education, drug info, wellness & more
By clicking 'Subscribe', I agree to SingleCare's Terms & Conditions.
