Loratadine

Antihistamine, Systemic · H1 receptor antagonist

Indications

Symptomatic relief of perennial rhinitis, seasoned allergic rhinitis and idiopathic chronic urticaria.

Dosage

Adults: 10 mg daily. Children: Under 2 yr, not recommended; 2-5 yr, 5 mg daily; over 6 yr, 10 mg daily.

Adverse Effects

Anxiety, somnolence. Rarely, fatigue, nausea, headache.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Precautions: Severe hepatic impairment.

Interactions

Inhibitors of CYP3A4 or CYP2D6.

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals. For rapidly-disintegrating tablet, place it on tongue and let it dissolve. It may be taken with or without water. Take immediately after opening tablet blister. Contact prescriber if there is chest pain, palpitations, constant dizziness, sleepiness, seizures, fast heartbeat, difficulty in breathing, swelling of face/mouth/lips/tongue, yellowing of eyes or skin, urinary pattern changes, pale stool or dark urine or if there is no improvement or worsening of condition. Do not take other depressants, sleep-inducing medications, alcohol without consulting prescriber.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetic profile of children 2 to 12 years is similar to that of adults. Onset of action: 1-3 hours. Peak effect: 8-12 hours. Duration: >24 hours. Absorption: Rapid; food increases total bioavailability (AUC) by 40% to 48%. Metabolism: Extensively hepatic. Half-life elimination: 8.4 hours (range: 3 to 20 hours) (loratadine), 28 hours (range: 8.8 to 92 hours) (metabolite); hepatic impairment: 24 hours (loratadine), 37 hours (metabolite). Time to peak, serum: Loratadine: 1.3 hours (loratadine), 2.3 hours (metabolite). Excretion: Urine (40%) and feces (40%) as metabolites.

Brands with this active ingredient

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

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