What is loratadine?

Children's Loratadine (Claritin®️) Syrup is an antihistamine that helps manage allergic rhinitis and hives . It relieves allergy symptoms like watery eyes, itchy skin, runny nose and sneezing. It is available over the counter.²

How does an antihistamine work?

An antihistamine is a type of medicine that is used to manage allergy symptoms, including conjunctivitis , hives, and hay fever , as well as reactions due to insect bites or stings.¹

As its name suggests, antihistamines block the effect of histamines.² These are chemicals that are released when the body detects a harmful foreign body or an infection.¹ However, in the case of allergies, the body mistakes harmless materials like house dust, pollen , or animal hair, for something harmful and produces histamines anyway.¹

What should I know before letting my child take it?

Can I give my kids loratadine?

Studies have shown that loratadine is generally well-tolerated not just by adults and the elderly, but by children.³

Another study found that second-generation, or non-drowsy, antihistamines were preferred for use on children because they did not have a sedative effect.⁴ The side effect of sleepiness affects learning in school, while uncontrolled allergies not only impacts learning ability, but behavioral and psychosocial development. With its non-sedative and antihistamine effects, loratadine is able to reduce allergy-induced learning impairment compared to diphenhydramine.⁴

Key Takeaways

Children's Loratadine (Claritin®️) Syrup helps allergy sufferers manage their symptoms, such as rashes, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, and others.

It is non-drowsy compared to cetirizine and first-generation antihistamines^5,6, works in as fast as 15 minutes⁷ and lasts up to 24 hours⁶. This is a great choice for parents who want to ensure that their kids can study and play with less inconveniences from allergies. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

• What is the appropriate dosage for my child?
  Children are prescribed Loratadine according to their weight and age.³ Usually, children weighing more than 30 kgs receive 10 mg once a day and those aged 2 to 12 and weighing less than 30 kgs receive 5 mg once a day.³ Be sure to check the label or consult your child’s doctor.
• Children's Loratadine (Claritin®️) Syrup is non-drowsy vs. 1st generation antihistamines and cetirizine.
  According to research, kids who take loratadine become less sleepy compared to other antihistamines, such as cetirizine.³
• Make sure that your child can take Children's Loratadine (Claritin®️) Syrup
  Before administering loratadine, don’t forget to tell the doctor if you or your child has an allergy to loratadine, any ingredient in loratadine preparations, or any medicine.² Inform them too if your child is taking other medicines, vitamins, and supplements; if they have had asthma or a condition called phenylketonuria, where a special diet must be followed.²

ASC Ref. No. B0077P040323C