Loratadine provides faster relief from the symptoms of hay fever, allergic rhinitis such as sneezing, nasal discharge, itching, ocular itching and burning, nasal and ocular sign and symptoms are relieved rapidly after oral administration.

Loratadine is also effective in idiopathic chronic urticaria. In children over 2 years, Loratadine is indicated for the symptomatic relief of seasonal allergic rhinitis and allergic skin conditions such as urticaria nettle rash.

Non-sedating antihistamines

Loratadine is a non-sedating antihistamine. It works by selectively binding to peripheral histamine H1-receptors on effector cells.

Adult & children over 12 years of age: One Loratadine 10 mg tablet once daily (usually in the morning).

Children:

• 2-12 years (body weight more than 30 Kg): 10 mg Loratadine once daily.
• 2-12 years (body weight less than 30 Kg): 5 mg Loratadine once daily.
• Below 2 years of age: Safety and efficacy of Loratadine have not been established.

Liver & renal impairment: Patients with liver impairment and renal insufficiency (GFR <30 ml/min) should be given a lower initial dose (10 mg every other day).

When administered concurrently with alcohol, Loratadine has no potentiating effect as measured by psychomotor performance studies. Interactions with other drugs have not been reported.

Loratadine is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity or idiosyncracy to their components.

Fatigue, nausea and headache were reported rarely. Scientific studies showed that Loratadine does not cause drowsiness. It does not affect performance and ability to drive or tasks requiring concentration.

Use in pregnancy: There is no experience of the use of Loratadine in human pregnancy, hence it should not be used during pregnancy.

Use in lactation: Loratadine is excreted in breast milk, so it should not be administered to lactating mother.

Patients with liver impairment and renal insufficiency (GFR <30 ml/min) should be given a lower initial dose (10 mg every other day).

Symptoms: Somnolence, tachycardia headache, drowsiness, extrapyramidal manifestations and palpitations.

Management: Symptomatic and supportive treatment. Immediately empty stomach by inducing emesis with ipecac syrup. Admin of activated charcoal after emesis may be useful. If induction of vomiting is unsuccessful or contraindicated (e.g. patient is comatose, having seizures or lacks gag reflex), gastric lavage with NaCl 0.9% soln may be performed to prevent aspiration of gastric contents. Saline cathartics may be useful to rapidly dilute bowel contents.

Store between 20-25° C.