R R

What Is Loratadine?

Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine sold without a prescription. Current products include 10 mg tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and liquid formulations containing 5 mg per 5 mL. It temporarily relieves symptoms of hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies. Certain loratadine products are separately labeled to relieve itching caused by hives.

Link to This Resource Page

Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.

To display this...

What Is Loratadine?

Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine sold without a prescription. Current products include 10 mg tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and liquid formulations containing 5 mg per 5 mL. It temporarily relieves symptoms of hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies. Certain loratadine products are separately labeled to relieve itching caused by hives.

read more about loratadine ...

Copy this HTML:

Copy HTML Copied!

How Does Loratadine Work?

Loratadine selectively blocks peripheral histamine H1 receptors. This reduces histamine-related symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat. Its active metabolite, desloratadine, also contributes to antihistamine activity.

Who Uses Loratadine?

Loratadine is used for temporary relief of upper respiratory allergy symptoms in adults and children under age-specific product directions. Standard allergy liquid formulations include directions for children age 2 and older. Hives-relief products have separate labeling, including some formulations intended for patients age 6 and older.

How Is Loratadine Dosed?

Adults and children age 6 and older usually take 10 mg once daily. Children age 2 through 5 receive 5 mg once daily using an appropriately labeled liquid formulation. Children younger than 2 require medical guidance. Patients with liver or kidney disease consult a doctor before use since dose adjustment can be necessary.

What Safety Warnings Apply to Loratadine?

Loratadine is usually less sedating than first-generation antihistamines, although drowsiness can occur, particularly when more than the recommended dose is taken. Hypersensitivity reactions require discontinuation and medical evaluation. Loratadine does not replace epinephrine for anaphylaxis. Patients with liver or kidney disease require medical guidance before use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Loratadine

What symptoms does loratadine relieve?

Loratadine relieves sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat caused by allergies. Certain products also relieve itching due to hives.

What is the usual adult dose?

The usual adult dose is 10 mg once daily.

Can children take loratadine?

Yes. Standard allergy liquid formulations have directions for children age 2 and older, with 5 mg once daily for ages 2 through 5.

Can loratadine cause drowsiness?

Yes. Drowsiness can occur, particularly when the recommended dose is exceeded.

References

DailyMed - LORATADINE tablet. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d778c4d2-184a-4dc8-9351-66d81d0618f2. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Loratadine. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501009/. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Loratadine. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697038.html. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Loratadine. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/loratidine. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Loratadine. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542278/. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.