Loratadine

Key points

• Non-drowsy antihistamine
• Take one tablet daily
• Works within 1-2 hours

What is loratadine?

Loratadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine tablet. It works by blocking the release of histamine, a chemical released by the body on exposure to an allergen, such as pollen.
 

What is loratadine used for?

Loratadine is used to treat symptoms of hay fever and allergy, such as:

• Sneezing
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose or postnasal drip
• Hives (itchy skin)
• Itchy skin from insect bites, eczema, heat rash

How long does loratadine take to work?

It takes around 1-2 hours for loratadine to work. The effects can last for up to 24 hours.

Take one tablet (10mg) daily.
 

Can you take two loratadine tablets in 24 hours?

You should not take more than one loratadine tablet per day. If you have accidentally taken 20mg loratadine, it is unlikely to cause any harm. However, the maximum dosage is one tablet per day.

Active ingredient: Loratadine 10mg

Inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, pre-gelatinised maize starch, maize starch, and magnesium stearate.

Important note: Whilst the active ingredient remains the same, there may be differences in the rest of the ingredients. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication.

As is the case with most medication, side effects are possible. Loratadine side effects include:

Common: Affecting up to 10% of users:

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Trouble sleeping
• Increase in appetite

You should always report all side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
 

Does loratadine make you drowsy?

Loratadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine. However, drowsiness is listed as a side effect and affects up to 10% of users.
 

Does loratadine have any long-term side effects?

There are no known long-term side effects associated with loratadine.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if:

• You have liver problems

Do not take loratadine if:

• You are due to have a skin allergy test. Avoid loratadine 2 days before your test

You can take loratadine during pregnancy.

Loratadine is safe to take during pregnancy for most women. Small amounts of loratadine is present in breastmilk, but not enough to cause harm to the feeding infant. You should always check with your doctor or nurse.

Loratadine is safe to take with most medication. Let you doctor or pharmacist know if you are taking:

• Amiodarone – used to treat an irregular heartbeat
• Cimetidine – Used to treat heartburn
• Erythromycin – An antibiotic
• Ketoconazole – An antifungal
• Any other medication that makes you feel drowsy, gives you a dry mouth, or makes you want to urinate more frequently

Loratadine vs Fexofenadine

• Fexofenadine is generally considered to be stronger than loratadine
• Fexofenadine is slightly faster acting
• Fexofenadine has a longer duration of action
• Both treatments are available over the counter
• Loratadine is cheaper in comparison

Loratadine vs Cetirizine

• Cetirizine works quicker than loratadine
• Loratadine last longer than cetirizine
• You should not take loratadine and cetirizine together
• Both treatments are available over the counter

Loratadine vs Desloratadine

• Desloratadine is a metabolite of loratadine. This means that loratadine turns into desloratadine, so in theory, desloratadine is more potent
• Desloratadine is only available on prescription, buy you can buy loratadine over the counter

1. NHS UK. (n.d.). Loratadine. Retrieved February 21, 2024, from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/loratadine/

2. British National Formulary. (n.d.). Loratadine. Retrieved February 21, 2024, from https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/loratadine/