What are Loratadine tablets?
Loratadine can be taken by children and adults from the age of 2 years to treat the symptoms caused by mild to moderate allergic conditions.
Loratadine is a medicine known as a non-drowsy, antihistamine that when taken once a day prevents the body from having an inflammatory reaction to something it is allergic to.
What is it used for?
Loratadine tablets can be used to treat symptoms of allergies caused by:
- Hay fever
- Skin reactions – rashes such as hives
- Pets and dust mites
- Insect bites and stings
- Mild food allergies
Symptoms of allergies may include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy nose and throat
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Itchy skin and rashes
How does it work?
Loratadine is an antihistamine and works just as the name suggests, by blocking the substance histamine.
Histamines are naturally produced by the body when it comes into contact with something it is allergic to. This reaction is what causes the inflammation and irritation in the eyes, nose and skin. Loratadine prevents this reaction from taking place.
Does it make you drowsy?
Loratadine is classified as a non-sedating antihistamine, which means it has been specially formulated to not make you feel drowsy.
In some people, however, loratadine may cause people to feel more sleepy than normal for them. It is therefore advisable to wait, to make sure you feel alert, before you drive or operate heavy machinery when taking loratadin
Warnings
Please make sure you have read and understood all warnings and precautions, set out in the Patient Information Leaflet, before taking Loratadine tablets.
You should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice if:
- You have a condition that affects your liver as you may be advised to take a smaller dose.
- You have recently been taking or are currently taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed medication.
If you are due to undergo a skin prick test for allergies you should not take Loratadine tablets for 2 days before the skin test as this could affect your test results.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
For people that are experiencing allergic conditions who are pregnant or breast-feeding, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Loratadine and alcohol
It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Loratadine tablets as you are at increased risk of experiencing drowsiness.
Dosage
Children and Adults over 2 years old: Take one 10 mg tablet once a day.
Before taking Loratadine, please make sure that you have read and understood the information included in the Patient Information Leaflet.
Loratadine tablets can be taken orally by children and adults over the age of 2 years who weigh over 20 kg, with a glass of water.
Loratadine overdose
You should only take Loratadine tablets as directed in the Patient Information Leaflet. If you take over the recommended dose of Loratadine you are more likely to experience unwanted side effects and you should always seek advice from a doctor straight away.
Ingredients
The active ingredients contained in this medicine is/are:
Loratadine 10mg
The medicine may also contain the following inactive ingredients to make up the complete product:
lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose (E460), maize starch, magnesium stearate.
Side effects
Possible side effects Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Stop taking Loratadine tablets and contact your doctor at once if you notice signs of:
- an allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, narrowing of the airways causing difficulty breathing, shock, collapse, rash, itching.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects or notice any other effects not listed:
The most commonly reported side effects in adults and children over 12 years of age are:
- drowsiness
- headache
- increased appetite
- difficulty sleeping.
The most commonly reported side effects in children aged 2 to 12 years are:
- headache
- nervousness
- tiredness
The following very rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people) have also been seen during the marketing of loratadine:
- dizziness
- convulsion
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- nausea (feeling sick)
- dry mouth
- upset stomach
- liver problems
- hair loss
- tiredness
The frequency of the following side effect is not known:
- weight gain
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed inthe leaflet.
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