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Loratadine
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Loratadine

Generic name: loratadine [ lor-AT-a-deen ]
Brand names: Alavert, Claritin, Claritin Reditab, ohm Allergy Relief, Tavist ND, Wal-itin
Dosage forms: oral capsule (10 mg); oral syrup (5 mg/5 mL); oral tablet (10 mg); oral tablet, chewable (5 mg); oral tablet, disintegrating (10 mg; 5 mg)
Drug class:Antihistamines

Medically reviewed by Sophia Entringer, PharmD. Last updated on Oct 8, 2021.

What is loratadine?

Loratadine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Loratadine is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, hay fever, itching, and other cold or allergy symptoms.

Loratadine is also used to treat skin hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions

Warnings

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to loratadine or to desloratadine (Clarinex).

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Some chewable dosage forms of loratadine may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using these forms of loratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if you have liver or kidney disease.

Before taking this medicine

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if loratadine is safe to use if you have ever had:

The disintegrating tablet may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuri...