How it is administered

Loratadine is usually taken by mouth and is available in several forms, including tablets and oral solutions (liquid).

• Tablets: Adults and children 6 years and older typically take 1 tablet (10 mg) once daily.
• Oral Solution: Adults and children 6 years and older take 2 teaspoonfuls (10 mg) once daily. Children 2 to under 6 years of age take 1 teaspoonful (5 mg) once daily.

Always use the dosing cup provided for liquid forms and follow your doctor’s instructions if you have liver or kidney disease.

How it works

Loratadine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes.

By preventing histamine from attaching to its receptors, loratadine helps reduce or prevent the symptoms of allergies. It is considered a 'non-drowsy' antihistamine, meaning it is less likely to make you sleepy compared to older antihistamines.

For people with blood cancers or systemic mastocytosis, histamine release from mast cells can cause allergy-like symptoms. Loratadine may help manage these symptoms by reducing the effects of histamine in the body.

Who Should take it

Loratadine is used to temporarily relieve symptoms caused by hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies, such as:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itching of the nose or throat

In the context of blood cancers or systemic mastocytosis, loratadine may be recommended to help control allergy-like symptoms caused by the release of histamine from mast cells. Always consult your doctor to see if loratadine is appropriate for your specific condition.

Who should not take it

Do not use loratadine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or any of its ingredients.

Ask your doctor before using loratadine if you have liver or kidney disease, as you may need a different dose. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a healthcare professional before use. Children under 2 years of age should not use loratadine unless directed by a doctor.

Do not take more than the recommended dose, as this may increase the risk of side effects, including drowsiness.

Commonly used with

Loratadine may be used with other medications to manage allergy symptoms, such as nasal corticosteroids or decongestants (in combination products).

For patients with systemic mastocytosis or blood cancers, it may be used alongside other medications prescribed to manage their underlying condition or symptoms.

Commonly tested with

Loratadine is sometimes tested in combination with other antihistamines or allergy medications to compare effectiveness and safety. In the context of blood disorders, it may be studied alongside other treatments for symptom control, but it is primarily used for relief of allergy symptoms.