Loratadine: What is it and Why Do I Need It?

Do you experience allergy rashes, sneezing, sniffling, congestion and more? If you suffer from allergy symptoms such as these like millions of people around the world, then you’ll know that taking an antihistamine may bring relief. An antihistamine is a medication used to relieve the symptoms of allergy. It works by counteracting the effects of the chemical histamine in the body that is part of the body’s defense system against the triggers of allergic reactions, or allergens. The effects of histamine include allergy rashes, runny nose, and other symptoms.1

Loratadine is a common antihistamine used around the world and in the Philippines to bring relief from allergy symptoms.

Loratadine: What is it and Why Do I Need It?

Do you experience allergy rashes, sneezing, sniffling, congestion and more? If you suffer from allergy symptoms such as these like millions of people around the world, then you’ll know that taking an antihistamine may bring relief. An antihistamine is a medication used to relieve the symptoms of allergy. It works by counteracting the effects of the chemical histamine in the body that is part of the body’s defense system against the triggers of allergic reactions, or allergens. The effects of histamine include allergy rashes, runny nose, and other symptoms.1

Loratadine is a common antihistamine used around the world and in the Philippines to bring relief from allergy symptoms.

What is loratadine?

Loratadine2 is used to manage allergy symptoms including:

  • Allergy rashes like urticaria ( hives )
  • Runny nose and sneezing
  • Red, itchy eyes
  • Reactions to some insect bites and stings

Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine , also referred to as a non-drowsy antihistamine. This means that it is far less likely to make you sleepy compared to some other antihistamines.

Second-generation antihistamines do not cross the blood-brain barrier (a system of cells that control what passes from the blood to the brain) to the extent that first-generation antihistamines do. So, when taken according to the prescribed dose, a second-generation antihistamine like loratadine causes less drowsiness.

Non-drowsy allergy medicines

When it comes to drowsiness, research shows that loratadine is less likely to cause drowsiness than the antihistamine cetirizine.3

Drowsiness throughout the day may prevent you from concentrating on work, or school activities. Taking naps due to drowsiness in the daytime may also offset your sleep schedule at night.

This makes loratadine a good choice for allergy sufferers who need to remain on the go throughout the day.

Allergy Relief with Loratadine (Claritin®)

Loratadine (Claritin®) is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis , such as sneezing, nasal discharge (rhinorrhea) and itching, as well as ocular itching and burning, urticaria and other dermatological disorders (skin allergies).4 It:

  • Works in as fast as 15 minutes to relieve the symptoms of allergy.5
  • Provides long-lasting relief for up to 24 hours.6
  • Is a second-generation antihistamine and is therefore non-drowsy6,7 unlike first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine and other second-generation antihistamines like cetirizine.
  • Comes in convenient tablet and syrup formats, suitable for kids, that are widely available over-the-counter in pharmacies around the Philippines, as well as online stores.

Second-generation antihistamines do not cross the blood-brain barrier (a system of cells that control what passes from the blood to the brain) to the extent that first-generation antihistamines do. So, when taken according to the prescribed dose, a second-generation antihistamine like loratadine causes less drowsiness.

Dosage and side effects of Loratadine (Claritin®)4

Loratadine (Claritin®) comes in tablet and melt-in-the-mouth tablet forms. It is also available in liquid form for children.

Dosage of Loratadine (Claritin®) tablets for adults and children over the age of 6:

Adults and children 6 years of age and over, with a body weight greater than 30kg 1 tablet, once daily
Adult or child that is diagnosed with liver or kidney disease Ask a doctor before use

Dosage of Children’s Loratadine (Claritin®) syrup:

Adults and children aged 12 years and over 2 teaspoonfuls, 10mL once daily
Children 2 to 12 years of age
  • Body weight > 30kg: 2 teaspoonfuls, 10mL once daily
  • Body weight ≤ 30kg: 1 teaspoonful, 5mL once daily
Children 1 to 2 years of age ½ teaspoonful, 2.5mL once daily
Consumers with liver or kidney disease Ask a doctor before use

 

If you buy Loratadine (Claritin®) from a pharmacy, make sure you follow the dosage instructions on the pack carefully. If you are not sure about anything related to Loratadine (Claritin®), you should consult your healthcare provider without delay.

Keep in mind that Loratadine (Claritin®) is not used to treat a life-threatening allergic reaction like anaphylaxis which causes severe breathing difficulties. You should seek emergency room treatment for anaphylaxis without delay.

Side effects

While rare, the side effects8 of loratadine could include:

  • Headache
  • Feeling tired or drowsy
  • Dry mouth
  • Stomach pain and vomiting
  • Feeling nervous or hyperactive

You should tell your doctor if these side effects are severe or do not go away. In addition, it is important to check the label to see if there are any drug interactions or restrictions.

IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.
ASC Ref. Code: B243P040822CS

REFERENCES

  1. Antihistamines. Cleveland Clinic. Medically reviewed on July 13, 2020. Retrieved on December 8, 2021 from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21223-antihistamines
  2. Loratadine (Clarityn). NHS UK. Retrieved on December 8, 2021 from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/loratadine/
  3. Sedation with “non-sedating” antihistamines: four prescription-event monitoring studies in general practice. British Medical Journal. 2000. Retrieved on December 8, 2021 from https://www.bmj.com/content/320/7243/1184
  4. Loratadine (Claritin®) Patient Leaflet Information
  5. Sur, Denise K C, and Monica L Plesa. “Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis .” American family physician vol. 92,11 (2015): 985-92.
  6. Haria, Malini, et al. “Loratadine.” Drugs, vol. 48, no. 4, 1994, pp. 617–637., https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-199448040-00009.
  7. Kawauchi, H.; Yanai, K.; Wang, D.-Y.; Itahashi, K.; Okubo, K. Antihistamines for Allergic Rhinitis Treatment from the Viewpoint of Nonsedative Properties. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20, 213. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20010213
  8. Loratadine. MedlinePlus. Retrieved on December 8, 2021 from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697038.html

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