Loratadine is a medication available in capsules, tablets, and syrup. It is an FDA-approved anti-allergic tablet that treats allergic symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, coughing, skin itching and rashes, shortness of breath, or digestive issues.
Manufactured by: Harmann Pharmaceutical Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd
Brand: Claritin
Drug class: Antihistamine
Product form: Oral capsule, tablet, and syrup
Mechanism of Action of Antihistamine
Antihistamine treats allergic reactions, including those caused by hay fever, conjunctivitis, eczema, hives, or insect bites. It blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the body in response to allergens, causing the symptoms like itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes, and helps to relieve allergic symptoms.
Available strengths
Loraradine tablet 5 mg
Loraradine tablet 10 mg
What is Loratadine Tablet Price in Pakistan?
Loratadine tablet price ranges between 120 – 150 PKR. Loratadine cost can vary depending on the manufacturer and the strength of the medicine.
What is Loratadine Tablet Used for?
Loratadine tablet is used for:
- Allergies: Loratadine is effective in treating the symptoms of seasonal allergies such as itching, runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. It also relieves the symptoms caused by food allergies, such as itchy mouth, lips, tongue, or throat swelling, skin rash, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
- Hives: Loratadine is an antihistamine commonly used to relieve hives symptoms such as itchy skin with raised, red welts or bumps. It is also effective in soothing hives caused by various allergens, such as foods like nuts, eggs, shellfish, insect bites, or certain medications like antibiotics and NSAIDs. By blocking histamine, it helps reduce inflammation due to hives medication.
- Pruritus: Loratadine provides an effective treatment for pruritus caused by allergic reactions, which is an uncomfortable sensation that triggers the desire to scratch or rub the affected skin area. However, it is ineffective in treating pruritus caused by other factors, such as medications, systemic illness, and psychological stress.
Also read: The Most Effective Anti-Allergy Tablets for Flu in Pakistan
How to take the Loratadine Tablet?
The general instructions regarding the use of Loratadine tablets include the following;
- Take the tablet with a glass of normal-temperature water.
- Do not crush or chew the tablet.
- Take the tablet with or without food.
- Loratadine dosage depends upon the severity of the issue.
- For maximum benefits, take the Loratadine tablet on an empty stomach.
- Avoid alcohol consumption if taking Loratadine.
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated while taking Loratadine.
- Follow the dose and frequency of the tablet as your doctor prescribes.
- Consult your doctor before discontinuing the Loratadine.
What is Loratadine dosage?
The recommended dosage for Loratadine depends on the specific product and the age of the person taking it. However, the recommended dose of the Loratadine tablet is typically 10 mg once daily. Those with renal or liver impairment should take medicine as per the doctor’s prescription.
It is highly recommended to take this medicine after consulting an immunologist.
What are Loratadine tablet side effects?
Patients may experience the following side effects after taking Loratadine:
- Headache, drowsiness, and fatigue
- Dry mouth and sore throat
- Abdominal pain and diarrhea
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Skin rash
Most of these side effects are mild and usually go away on their own. However, if you experience any persistent side effects while taking Loratadine, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face or throat, you should seek immediate medical attention.
What are the warnings associated with Loratadine?
Before Loratadine intake, consider these warning signs:
- Loratadine may cause the symptoms of drowsiness and dizziness; therefore, patients must avoid driving or lifting heavy objects after taking medicine.
- Avoid taking this medication if you have had an allergic reaction to Loratadine or any other antihistamine.
- If you have renal or hepatic disease, take the Loratadine dosage less frequently.
- Though Loratadine is generally considered safe, some risks may be associated with taking it during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Therefore, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should consult a healthcare provider before taking Loratadine.
Does Loratadine react with other medicines?
Loratadine can potentially interact with other medications, including:
- Antibiotics, such as erythromycin or clarithromycin
- Antifungal medications, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole
- Antidepressants, such as fluoxetine or paroxetine
- Medications that affect the liver, such as rifampin
- Other medications that contain antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, cetirizine, fexofenadine, and clemastine
If you are taking any of these medications, consult your doctor before taking Loratadine to avoid any adverse impacts on your health.
What are the alternatives to Loratadine?
The following alternatives can be used if Loratadine is not available in the market:
- Zyrtec
- Fexofenadine
- Chlorpheniramine
- Hydroxyzine
- Claritin
- Alavert
- Diphenhydramine
What happens with a Loratadine overdose?
The usage of Loratadine may cause:
- Lightheadedness and drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Irregular heartbeat
What if you miss the Loratadine dose?
If you miss a dose of Loratadine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on time.
How to store Loratadine?
To store Loratadine, follow these instructions:
- Keep the Loratadine tablet in the bottle with a tightly closed lid.
- Keep the medicine out of children’s reach.
- Store it away from sunlight, heat, and moisture to prevent it from losing potency.
- Unneeded tablets must be discarded in the water.
Consult a doctor for the complete diagnosis and treatment of allergy with Loratadine.
FAQs
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Is it okay to use Loratadine for the treatment of cough?
Loratadine is used to treat the symptoms of allergic cough and rhinoconjunctivitis. If you suffer from allergic cough or rhinoconjunctivitis, take Loratadine after consulting your doctor.
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Is it ok to use Loratadine at night?
Take Loratadine tablet once or twice a day, as directed by your doctor. Don’t take medication other than a doctor’s prescription.
Disclaimer: The content published on Marham.pk is for informational or educational purposes only, produced from FDA-approved literature, and does not substitute professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before using a prescription or over-the-counter drug, or any other treatment option.