What is loratadine used for?

• Temporarily relief of hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies such as runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, itching of the nose or throat.
• Skin hives and itching from chronic skin reactions.

How does loratadine work?

When you come in contact with allergens (substances that your body may be allergic to), a natural body chemical called histamine is released. Histamine can produce symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose. 

Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine; loratadine binds histamine-1 (H-1) receptors located outside of the brain and the spinal cord. This is why second-generation antihistamines are less sedating than the older antihistamines. Loratadine reduces the effects of the natural chemical histamine in the body.

What is the suggested dosing for loratadine?

Typical adult dosage: 

Allergic rhinitis:

• Take 10 mg by mouth once daily
• Maximum daily dose: 10 mg

Urticaria (hives):

• Take 10 mg by mouth once daily
• Maximum daily dose: 10 mg

Typical pediatric dosage:

Allergic rhinitis:

• 2 to 5 years: take 5 mg by mouth once daily
  • Maximum daily dose: 5 mg
• 6 years and older: take 10 mg by mouth once daily 
  • Maximum daily dose: 10 mg

Urticaria (hives):

• 2 to 5 years: take 5 mg by mouth once daily
  • Maximum daily dose: 5 mg
• 6 years and older: take 10 mg by mouth once daily 
  • Maximum daily dose: 10 mg