Loratadine is a medication that belongs to the antihistamine class and is used to treat a variety of allergic conditions. Loratadine works to block the effect of histamine, a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction, which helps relieve symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, and red and itchy eyes.
Loratadine uses:
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
- Perennial allergic rhinitis.
- Symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria (skin rash consisting of cells and blood).
Warnings and precautions:
- Do not take loratadine if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.
- Talk to your doctor before taking loratadine if you have serious liver problems.
- Avoid taking loratadine before having skin tests for allergies, because it may affect the test results.
Possible side effects:
- Stop taking loratadine and consult your doctor if you develop allergic symptoms such as a skin rash, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- The most common side effects include drowsiness, headache, increased appetite, and difficulty sleeping.
More common side effects in children:
- Headache.
- Nervousness.
- Tired.