Details

Loratadine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. Loratadine is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other cold or allergy symptoms. Loratadine is also used to treat skin hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to use loratadine if you have asthma kidney disease or liver disease. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old without the advice of a doctor. Loratadine is usually taken once per day.

Typical Uses

Loratadine 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). Therefore, if your doctor has prescribed epinephrine to treat allergic reactions, always carry your epinephrine injector with you. Do not use loratadine in place of your epinephrine.

Side Effects

Stop using loratadine and inform your doctor immediately if you have fast or uneven heart rate severe headache or a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out stomach pain, vomiting dry mouth or feeling nervous or hyperactive.

Drug Interactions

• Loratadine+amiodarone- Using amiodarone together with loratadine can affect the rhythm of your heart. Call your doctor if you have symptoms of irregular heartbeat, chest tightness, blurred vision or nausea. You may need a dose adjustment or special test if you use both medications.
• Loratadine+bosentan- Bosentan may reduce the blood levels and effects of loratadine. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or your condition changes during treatment with these medications. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications.
• Loratadine+dasatinib- Dasatinib may increase the blood levels and effects of loratadine. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.
• Loratadine+fluvoxamine- Fluvoxamine may increase the blood levels and effects of loratadine. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.
• Loratadine+mifepristone- Mifepristone may increase the blood levels and effects of loratadine, even after you have stopped taking mifepristone for a while. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.

Mechanism of action

Loratadine belongs to the group of medicines called antihistamines. It acts by blocking a natural substance called histamine that your body produces during an allergic reaction.

Pregnancy Category : B