Loratadine

Loratadine Introduction

Loratadine is a non-sedating antihistamine drug used to treat a variety of allergies, including hay fever, dust allergies, etc. It is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and with a prescription. It is also commonly used to treat skin hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions. It is also available in combination with other drugs, such as pseudoephedrine.

Uses for Loratadine

Loratadine is used to relieve symptoms of hay fever, dust allergies, skin rashes, hives, itching, and other allergies. It works by blocking histamine, which is a substance that causes many allergy symptoms. It can also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Brand Name	Loratadine
Type
Weight
Generic	Loratadine
Manufacturer
Available in	English বাংলা

Mechanism of Action

Loratadine is a histamine receptor antagonist, meaning it works by blocking the effects of the histamine in the body. Histamine normally causes inflammation in the body when it is released in response to an allergen, and loratadine blocks this reaction. This relieves the symptoms associated with the allergic reaction, such as a runny nose, itching, and sneezing.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Loratadine begins to work quickly after administration, usually within the hour. It works best when taken before an allergic reaction occurs, and it can also be used to relieve chronic allergy symptoms.

Absorption

Loratadine is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is primarily distributed in the liver, where it is metabolized. Its bioavailability is approximately 50-60%. It has a half-life of approximately 8-10 hours.

Route of Elimination

Loratadine is mostly eliminated unchanged in the feces via the bile. Some of it is exhaled in the breath and some is eliminated in the urine.

Dosage

Adults and children over 12 years of age: One Loratadine tablet once daily. It is usually administered in the morning or when symptoms require treatment.

Children 2-12 years: Body weight over 30 kg: one Loratadine tablet once daily, below 30 kg: half Loratadine tablet once daily.

Below 2 years of age: Loratadine tablet is not recommended for use below 2 years of age since safety and efficacy has not been established.

The dose of loratadine will vary depending on the specific condition for which it is being used. For adults and children 12 years and older, the usual dose is 10 mg once daily. For children under 12 years old, the dose is 5 mg per day.

Administration

Loratadine can be taken orally with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, split, or chewed. Liquid formulations of loratadine should be measured carefully with a marked measuring spoon or device.

Side Effect

Common side effects of loratadine include headache, nausea, tiredness, dry mouth, dizziness, and sore throat. Other serious side effects may include difficulty breathing or swallowing, rash, itching, hives, and swelling. If any of these side effects occur, contact your doctor.

Toxicity

Loratadine is generally a well tolerated drug with few serious side effects. However, loratadine may cause overdose symptoms which can include increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, confusion, agitation, restlessness, convulsions, and tremors. If an overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center immediately.

Precaution

Before taking loratadine, tell your doctor if you have any allergies. Also, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to wear sunscreen when going outside.

Interactions

Loratadine may interact with other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking. Do not stop taking any medications without talking to your doctor first.

Disease Interactions

Loratadine may interact with certain medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, and it should be used with caution in these cases. Inform your doctor of any existing or pre-existing medical conditions.

Drug Interactions

Loratadine may interact with other drugs that can lead to increased or decreased levels of loratadine in the body. Common drug interactions include antacids, anticonvulsants, antidiabetics, antibiotics, antihypertensives, antivirals, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, corticosteroids, diuretics, H2-blockers, muscle relaxants, proton pump inhibitors, sedatives, tranquilizers, and warfarin.

Food Interactions

Loratadine may interact with certain foods. For example, grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase the level of loratadine in the body, making it more likely to cause side effects. Therefore, it is best to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking loratadine.

Pregnancy Use

It is not known if loratadine is safe for use during pregnancy. Therefore, it is best to talk to your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Lactation Use

Loratadine has not been adequately tested in breastfeeding women. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor before using this medication while breastfeeding.

Acute Overdose

In the case of an acute overdose of loratadine, immediate medical attention is necessary. Symptoms of an overdose include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and seizures.

Contraindication

Loratadine is contraindicated in people with a known hypersensitivity to loratadine or any of its ingredients. It should also not be used in people with a history of asthma, kidney disease, or liver disease. Your doctor may also advise against using loratadine in patients who are elderly or debilitated due to an increased risk of side effects.

Use Directions

Follow all directions on the prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Take loratadine with water. Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

Storage Condition

Store loratadine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine in a closed container. Do not store loratadine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Keep loratadine away from children and pets.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of loratadine is unknown. It is likely to be low since it is extensively bound to plasma proteins.

Half Life

The half-life of loratadine is 8-10 hours.

Clearance

Loratadine is largely metabolized in the liver, and it has an average clearance of 5L/hr/kg. It is mostly eliminated unchanged in the faeces and exhaled breath.

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