Loratadine (10mg) 30 Tablets

What is Loratadine?

Loratadine 10mg tablets belong to a group of medicines known as antihistamines. Antihistamines work to relieve the symptoms of allergies for conditions like:

• Hay fever
• Eczema
• Urticaria
• Conjunctivitis

You must have a prescription to buy Loratadine. 

What is Loratadine used to treat?

Loratadine is an antihistamine medicine used to treat the symptoms of allergies associated with conditions like hay fever, conjunctivitis, eczema and hives. It can also be taken for certain food allergies and reactions to insect bites.

The main symptoms of allergies can include:

• Sneezing
• Itchy, red or watery eyes
• Wheezing or coughing
• A blocked, itchy or runny nose
• Skin rashes
• Tight chest, wheezing and shortness of breath
• Swollen eyes or face
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhoea
• Dry or itchy skin

In more severe cases, an allergy can lead to a sever allergic reaction that would require immediate medical assistance. This is called anaphylaxis.

Why is Loratadine recommended for allergies?

Research has shown Loratadine to be a highly effective medicine for treating the likes of hay fever and other allergies. 

It is safe to be taken by most adults and children. Additionally, Loratidine is a non-drowsy antihistamine, meaning it is much less likely to make you feel tired after administration when compared to other antihistamines.

How does Loratadine work?

Loratadine works quickly to provide all-day relief from allergies. This non-drowsy antihistamine allows you to get on with your daily life without feeling tired as a result of taking it. This is an added benefit as many antihistamines are classed as “drowsy” antihistamines, meaning they have a sedative effect.

This antihistamine works by blocking a substance called histamine, which is a naturally-produced chemical in the body that is released when the body comes into contact with an allergen.

Histamine works to protect you from infections and other harmful issues, and is released by your body naturally. In most cases, it is a beneficial chemical for your health. However, when you come into contact with an allergy trigger, histamine causes the symptoms that come with the allergy to occur.

Who can take Loratadine?

Loratadine is not suitable for children under 2 years of age.

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to loratadine or any of the other ingredients contained in these tablets (please refer to the Ingredients tab for full details).

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Loratadine if any of the below apply to you:

• You have severe liver problems
• You are scheduled to have a skin test for any allergies. Do not take Loratadine for two days before the tests as it may affect the results.

Can you buy Loratadine over the counter?

Loratadine is a prescription-only medicine (POM) and cannot be bought over the counter. You will need to be prescribed it by a doctor.

Can you buy Loratadine online in the UK?

You can only order this medicine if you have a prescription from a registered health professional. You can buy Loratadine tablets from Medicine Direct by completing a simple and confidential online consultation. One of our registered health professionals will review your answers to make sure it is a suitable medication for you to use.

From there, you can order these tablets from our online pharmacy; place your order by 2pm for next day delivery.

Loratadine alternatives

While there is no complete cure for allergies, there are many medicines available to keep the symptoms under control. If Loratadine is not suitable for you, we stock a number of other antihistamine medicines, including Cetirizine (available as tablets and a liquid solution), Levocetirizine and Desloratadine. These medicines also work to block histamine from causing a flare-up of allergy symptoms.

Alternatively, a nasal spray such as Flixonase or Beclometasone may be more suitable for you. These sprays contain corticosteroid medicines, which will work to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and also alleviate other symptoms of hay fever and allergies. Antihistamine nasal sprays are also available.

Loratadine Dosage and Directions

Our pharmacists and prescribers follow NICE guidelines when prescribing Loratadine. 

Always take Loratadine 10mg tablets exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. Read the patient information leaflet thoroughly and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

The usual dose for adults is 10mg (one tablet) once a day. If you have any severe liver problems, your doctor might prescribe a different dose to this.

The usual dose for children over 12 years old is 10mg (one tablet) once a day.

For children aged between 2 years old and 12 years old:

• If their body weight is over 30kg, the normal dose is 10mg (one tablet) once a day.
• Loratadine tablets are not recommended for children whose body weight is 30kg or below.

This medicine is not recommended for children under 2 years of age.

Directions

Swallow Loratadine tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or crush them.

Loratadine tablets can be taken with or without food, but try to take it at the same time every day.

Loratadine Side Effects

The most common side effects in adults and children over 12 years of age are:

• Headache
• Difficulty sleeping
• Drowsiness
• Increased appetite

The most commonly reported side effects in children aged 2 to 12 years are:

• Nervousness
• Headaches
• Tiredness

The following side effects are very rare and may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people:

• Dizziness
• Fits
• Abnormal liver function
• Hair loss
• Nausea
• Irritation of the stomach lining
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Dry mouth
• Rash

Always read the patient information leaflet for comprehensive details on side effects. If you are worried about side effects or how to deal with them, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Loratadine Warnings and Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor if you’re taking:

Before you start taking Loratadine, make sure you inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently taking (or have recently taken) any other medication. This includes both prescription and non-prescription medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.

The level of Loratadine may be increased in the blood if it is taken at the same time as any of the following medicines:

• The antibiotic erythromycin
• Ketoconazole, for fungal infections
• Cimetidine, for the treatment of heartburn

Always read the patient information leaflet for full details on medicines that can interact with Loratadine. 

Precautions

In rare cases, Loratadine might cause drowsiness or make you less alert. If this affects you, you must not drive, operate any machinery or ride a bike until you feel better again. If the symptoms persist, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

These tablets contain lactose; if your doctor has told you that you are intolerant to certain sugars, please make sure you speak to them before taking Loratadine.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk to your doctor before taking Loratadine if you are currently pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are trying to get pregnant.

Do not take Loratadine if you are breastfeeding; this medicine passes into the mother's breast milk.

For more information on taking Loratadine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Loratadine Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Loratadine.

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.