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Loratadine

    Brands

    DEA Class; OTC

    Common Brand Names; Claritin, Alavert, Claritin RediTabs, QlearQuil All Day & All Night 24 Hour Allergy Relief

    • Antihistamines, 2nd Generation

    Oral non-sedating antihistamine
    CNS effects are less with loratadine compared to the traditional sedating antihistamines; not associated with QT prolongation
    Used in adult and pediatric populations for allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria or other allergic symptoms

    Indicated for the management of symptoms of seasonal allergies or perennial allergies, including allergic rhinitis.

    For the management of symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria (e.g., relief of pruritus, reduction in the size and number of hives).

    Hypersensitivity

    • Headache (12%)
    • Somnolence (8%)
    • Drowsiness (8%)
    • Nervousness (4%)
    • Fatigue (3-4%)
    • Dry mouth (3%)
    • Hyperkinesia (3%)
    • Conjunctivitis (2%)
    • Dysphonia (2%)
    • Malaise (2%)
    • URTI (2%)
    • Abdominal pain (2%)

    Caution in hepatic and renal impairment

    Elderly patients are at increased risk for comorbidities related to anticholinergic effects; may be potentially inappropriate in this population (Beers criteria)

    Effects of ethanol and other sedative drugs may be potentiated when used concurrently

    Benzyl alcohol, which is associated with the fatal toxicity, gasping syndrome in neonates; use caution

    Some products may contain phenylalanine

    Pregnancy category: B

    Lactation: Excreted in breast milk; avoid (AAP Committee states compatible with nursing)

    NOTE: Do not exceed recommended dosage limits for the specific product prescribed; the following are general guidelines:

    Adults

    10 mg/day PO.

    Geriatric

    10 mg/day PO.

    Adolescents

    10 mg/day PO.

    Children

    6 to 12 years: 10 mg/day PO.
    2 to 5 years: 5 mg/day PO.
    1 year: Safety and efficacy have not been established.

    Loratadine

    syrup

    • 5mg/5mL

    tablet

    • 10mg

    tablet, chewable

    • 5mg

    tablet, disintegrating

    • 5mg
    • 10mg

    capsule

    • 10mg