Loratadine
Loratadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine that relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergy. It usually works within 60 minutes and can relieve symptoms for up to 24 hours.
- Next Day Delivery
- Plain & Discreet Packaging
- Confidential Service
- UK registered service
Loratadine Prices
Medicine | x30 Tablets (1 Month) | x60 Tablets (2 Months) | x90 Tablets (3 Months) | x180 Tablets (6 Months) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Loratadine 10mg Tablets | £1.45 | £2.95 | £4.45 | £8.89 |
About 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.
Loratadine dosage instructions
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.
Loratadine Ingredients
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.
Loratadine Side Effects
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.
Loratadine Warnings
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
Loratadine in pregnancy
You can take loratadine during pregnancy.
Loratadine while breastfeeding
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 Interactions
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 alternatives
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
Sources
-
NHS UK. (n.d.). Loratadine. Retrieved February 21, 2024, from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/loratadine/
-
British National Formulary. (n.d.). Loratadine. Retrieved February 21, 2024, from https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/loratadine/
You should only give loratadine to your dog if it has been prescribed by a vet.
Yes, loratadine is available as a liquid or syrup.
No, you can not take the two together.
Yes, you can buy loratadine over the counter.
Yes, there are no interactions.
The max dose of loratadine is 10mg daily. Any more than this is considered an overdose. Do not take more than prescribed.
No, weight gain is not a listed side effect.
You can take loratadine every day, for as long as you have symptoms; or as long as the allergen is present.
It does not matter what time of day you take a tablet.
Loratadine is available on the NHS, but this is at the discretion of your doctor. Most of the time, patients are told to buy loratadine over the counter.
Summary For Loratadine
Medication class | Non-drowsy antihistamine |
---|---|
Mechanism of action | Blocks histamine relief |
Active ingredient | Loratadine |
Strength | 10mg |
Effective within | 1-2 hours |
Dosage Instructions | Take one tablet daily |
Manufacturer | Galpharm, Bells healthcare, Teva, Ranbaxy, Almus, Relonchem |
Use with alcohol | In moderation |