LORATADINE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Claritin

GENERIC NAME(S): LORATADINE

 

Description: Loratadine is a non-sedating antihistamine that works by selectively binding to peripheral histamine H1-receptors on effector cells.

Onset: 1-3 hr.

Duration: >24 hr.

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption: Absorbed rapidly from the GI tract. Food delays time to peak plasma concentration and increases bioavailability. Time to peak plasma concentration: Approx 1 hr.

Distribution: Enters breast milk. Plasma protein binding: Approx 98%.

Metabolism: Undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism via CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 to desloratadine (major metabolite).

Excretion: Via urine and faeces (as metabolites). Mean elimination half-life: 8.4 hr (loratadine) and 28 hr (desloratadine).

Uses

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 (e.g., anaphylaxis).

How to use loratadine

If you are using the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all the directions on the product package before taking this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, follow your doctor’s directions and the instructions on your prescription label. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once a day or as directed by your doctor or the product package. If you are using the chewable tablets, chew each tablet well and swallow. Dosage is based on your age, condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed. Do not take more of this medication than recommended for your age.

Tell your doctor if your allergy symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment or if your hives last more than 6 weeks. Seek immediate medical attention if your condition worsens or you think you have a serious medical problem (e.g., very serious allergic reaction/anaphylaxis).

Side Effects

This drug usually has no side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly if you have any unusual effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • Rash
  • itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
  • severe dizziness
  • trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Precautions:

  • Allergic reaction to this medication
  • Patients with kidney disease or liver disease
  • doctor has prescribed loratadine for hives
  • considering using this drug to treat your own hives
  • using chewable tablets if you have phenylketonuria (PKU)
  • Older adults may be more sensitive to drowsiness, or confusion.
  • Do not use this medication in children younger than 6 years unless directed by the doctor
  • This medication should be used only when clearly needed and as directed by your doctor during pregnancy
  • Consult your doctor before breastfeeding

Consult your doctor regarding the precautions mentioned above.

 

Interactions:

Do not use medications containing desloratadine while using loratadine.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including allergy skin testing), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose:

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, do not share it with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Different brands/strengths of this medication may have different storage requirements. Read the package labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements for the product you are using. Protect from light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

 

Brands:

Available Brands:

Allerta Syrup [ United Lab ]                                                                                Carin [ CCM Pharmaceuticals ]

Claritin [ Organon ]                                                                                              Loaller [ Mac Heal ]

Lorange [ Willore Pharma ]                                                                                Lorano [ Sandoz ]

Loratyne [ Hua Shin ]                                                                                           Lorexa [ Pharma-Rex ]

Lorfast [ Cadila Pharma ]                                                                                     Ratalin [ Medic+Aid ]

Toral [ Synergen ]                                                                                                                Zylohist [ GXI ]

Also marketed as:

Actidin/Actidin Quik/Actidin Junior [ Interphil ]                                            Allerta Tablet [ Amherst Lab ]

Antal [ Morepen ]                                                                                                Astena [ Erica Healthcare ]

Clarihist [ LBS ]                                                                                                      Flamitin [ Flamingo ]

Immunix [ Unique ]                                                                                              L. Meyerf Loratadine [ XL Lab ]

Lergicyl [ Eurowest ]                                                                                            Loradaze [ Chemway Pharma ]

Loradex [ Essex ]                                                                                                  Lorahist [ Unison ]

Lordamin [ YSP ]                                                                                                   Lordane [ Kalbe ]

Loren [ Duopharma (M) Sdn Bhd ]                                                                    Lorid [ Unique ]

Onemin [ Apotex ]                                                                                               Prevahist [ Nabros ]

Rinityn [ Hovid ]

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