Loratadine: What is it and Why Do I Need It?

Do you experience sneezing, sniffling, congestion, allergy rashes and more? If you suffer from allergy symptoms like millions of people1 around the world, then you’ll know that taking an antihistamine may bring relief. An antihistamine is a medication used to relieve the symptoms of allergy. It works by counteracting the effects of the chemical histamine in the body that is part of the body’s defense system against the triggers of allergic reactions, or allergens. The effects of histamine include runny nose, skin itching and other symptoms.2

Loratadine is a popular and effective antihistamine used around the world and in Singapore to bring relief from allergy symptoms. Read on to find out more about Loratadine!

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What is loratadine?

Loratadine3 is used to manage allergy symptoms including:

  • Runny nose and sneezing
  • Itchy skin rashes like urticaria ( hives )
  • Watery, itchy eyes
  • Reactions to some insect bites and stings

Loratadine is referred to as a non-drowsy antihistamine , meaning that it’s far less likely to make you sleepy than some other antihistamines.

Second-generation antihistamines do not cross the blood-brain barrier (a system of cells that control what passes from the blood to the brain) to the extent that first-generation antihistamines do. So, when taken according to the recommended dose, a second-generation antihistamine like loratadine is non-drowsy.

Non-drowsy allergy medicine

When it comes to drowsiness, research5 shows that loratadine is less likely to cause drowsiness than the antihistamine cetirizine.

Drowsiness throughout the day may prevent you from concentrating on work, or school activities. Taking naps due to drowsiness in the daytime may also offset your sleep schedule at night.

This makes loratadine a good choice for allergy sufferers who need to remain on the go throughout the day.

Allergy relief with loratadine (Clarityn®)

If you suffer from allergic rhinitis such as sneezing, runny nose or skin allergy, then loratadine is ideal for you. It:

  • Works in as fast as 15 minutes to relieve the symptoms of allergy.6
  • Provides long-lasting relief for up to 24 hours.7
  • Is a second-generation antihistamine and is therefore non-drowsy unlike first-generation antihistamines.8
  • Comes in convenient tablet and syrup formats that are widely available online and in Singapore pharmacies.
  • Safe for children as young as 2 years old in syrup format.

Dosage and side effects of Loratadine (Clarityn®)

Loratadine comes in tablet and often available in liquid form for children.

Dosage of loratadine allergy tablets for adults and children over the age of 6:

Adults and children 6 years of age and over (> 30kg) 1 tablet, once daily
Children under 6 years of age Use children’s syrup for ages 2 to 6 years old. For children under 2 years old, ask a doctor before use
Adult or child that is diagnosed with liver or kidney disease Ask a doctor before use

 

Dosage of loratadine children’s syrup:

Adults and children aged 12 years and over 2 teaspoonfuls (10mL) once daily
Children 2 to 12 years of age > 30kg body weight 2 teaspoonfuls (10mL) once daily
Children 2 to 12 years of age ≤ 30kg body weight 1 teaspoonful (5mL) once daily
Consumers with liver or kidney disease Ask a doctor before use

 

If you buy loratadine from a pharmacy, make sure to follow the dosage instructions on the pack carefully. Taking too much of loratadine could result in drowsiness. If you are not sure about anything related to loratadine, you should consult your healthcare provider.

Side effects

While rare, the possible side effects4 of loratadine could include:

  • Headache
  • Feeling tired or drowsy
  • Dry mouth
  • Stomach pain and vomiting
  • Feeling nervous or hyperactive

If symptoms persist, do consult your doctor or pharmacist. In addition, it is important to check the label to see if there are any drug interactions or restrictions.

As the #1 Allergy brand in the world9, try loratadine (Clarityn®) allergy meds for fast and non-drowsy allergy relief that lasts all day. Live Clarityn clear!

REFERENCES

  1. Allergy Statistics. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Assessed on December 8, 2021
  2. Antihistamines. Cleveland Clinic. Assessed on December 8, 2021
  3.  Loratadine (Clarityn). NHS UK. Assessed on December 8, 2021
  4. Loratadine. MedlinePlus. Assessed on December 8, 2021
  5. Sedation with “non-sedating” antihistamines: four prescription-event monitoring studies in general practice. British Medical Journal. 2000. Assessed on December 8, 2021
  6. Sur, Denise K C, and Monica L Plesa. “Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis .” American family physician vol. 92,11 (2015): 985-92.
  7. Haria, Malini, et al. “Loratadine.” Drugs, vol. 48, no. 4, 1994, pp. 617–637.
  8. Kawauchi, H.; Yanai, K.; Wang, D.-Y.; Itahashi, K.; Okubo, K. Antihistamines for Allergic Rhinitis Treatment from the Viewpoint of Nonsedative Properties. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20, 213.
  9. Nicholas Hall Global OTC DB6 Database. Accessed 17 February 2022.