How Effective is Loratadine & What are its Side Effects?

There are high possibilities of Claritin Reditb (Loratadine disintegrating tablets) containing phenylalanine. Therefore, tell your doctor about the condition and medicine before taking them. This is when you are suffering from PKU (phenylketonuria)

Loratadine medicine is an antihistamine which effectively lowers natural chemical histamine effects in the human body. The symptoms of histamine are itching, runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing.

• Loratadine medicine is for effective treatment of hives, cold, runny nose, itching, skin rash, watery eyes, sneezing or any other allergy symptoms.
• If you are allergic to Loratadine then do not take it.
• It is vital to follow all the details and information mentioned in the package and label of loratadine. You must tell all the doctors treating you about all the other medical conditions are you suffering and medications taken for that as well.
• If you have kidney or liver diseases, tell your doctor and all other health care providers about it.

You must ask your health care providers or doctors if this medicine is safe for you when you other health issues such as the following

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Asthma

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you must tell your doctor about loratadine medicine and your condition event though this medicine is not expected to harm the unborn child.

There are high possibilities of this medicine passing through breast milk to the feeding baby. So tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding your child.

There are some loratadine medicines that contain phenylalanine. So, tell your doctor about the medicine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Loratadine is not to be given to children below 6 years without the consent of a doctor.

You need to take loratadine accurately as prescribed by your doctor and as mentioned on the label. Using the medication either in smaller or larger amounts or prolonged usage of the medicine than actually recommended is strictly prohibited. Allergy or cold medicine is typically taken for a lesser period only till your symptoms get cleared
Loratadine is prohibited for a child less than 2 years of age. Consult the doctor constantly in prior to administering a cold or cough medicine to an infant. Misusing of cold and cough medicines can cause death in younger children.

Loratadine is typically taken one time in a day. Strictly adhere to the instructions of your doctor.

You need to swallow the regular tablet as whole without breaking, crushing or chewing the tablet.

You need to measure the liquid medicine with a special dosage-measuring spoon or a medicine cup or with the dosing syringe included with the medicine. In case you do not have a dose-measuring device, you need to ask for one to your pharmacist.

You need to chew the chewable tablet prior to swallowing it.

For taking the orally disintegrating tablet (Alavert, Claritin RediTab):

• It is good to not to open the pill and keep it in blister pack unless you are set to take it. Unwrap the pack first and peel back the foil. It is advisable not to push the tablet through the foil as it will get damaged.
• Ensure your hands are dry while removing and placing the tablet in your mouth
• It is advisable to not swallow the tablet whole. You will need to allow it to dissolve in your mouth. Do not chew as well. You can also have liquid to dissolve the tablet.
• If you do not see any improvements in your condition or if it worsens, get immediate medical assistance.

Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis: Regular adult dosage

• One time a day – 10 milligrams orally
• Regular adult dosage of loratadine for the treatment of Urticaria
• One time a day – 10 milligrams orally

Regular pediatric dosage of loratadine for the treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

• 2 to 5 years old: One time a day – 5 milligrams orally (syrup)
• 6 years or older: One time a day – 10 milligrams orally (disintegrating tablets, capsule or tablets)

Regular pediatric dosage of loratadine for the treatment of Urticaria

• 2 to 5 years old: One time a day – 5 milligrams orally (syrup)
• 6 years or older: One time a day – 10 milligrams orally (disintegrating tablets, capsule or tablets)

There are other drugs that can affect loratadine which even includes herbal products, vitamins, and prescription and over the counter medicines. It is important to tell all your doctors about all the medicines and medicines conditions you are having at the time of consultation.

If you have any of these following severe side effects of loratadine, stop using the medicine and get immediate medical help:

• Severe headache
• Uneven or fast heart rate
• Feeling like passing out (light headed)

Here are other common side effects of loratadine:

• Vomiting, stomach pain
• Headache
• Hyperactive or feeling nervous is also a side effect of loratadine
• Drowsy or feeling tired
• Dry mouth.