What is Loratadine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

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 doses?

  • 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)

RELATED: Loratadine dosage, forms, and strengths

Common Loratadine prescriptions

  • Loratadine
    100 tablets bottle

  • Loratadine
    120ml of 5mg/5ml bottle

  • Loratadine
    30 tablets bottle

  • Loratadine
    300 tablets bottle

  • Loratadine
    90 tablets bottle

  • Loratadine
    30 tablets box

  • Loratadine
    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

  • 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

  • Loratadine has no major drug interactions.

Loratadine side effects

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:

Loratadine News & Research

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