Loratadine

Medically Reviewed by HaVy Ngo, Pharm.D.

Last Reviewed: Jun 08, 2022

Drug Details


Generic Name:

Loratadine (lor AT a deen)

Common Brands:

Claritin Chewable, Claritin, Claritin Liqui-Gel, Claritin Reditab, Alavert

Availability:

Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC)

Therapeutic Class:

Antihistamine

Forms:

  • Oral syrup: 5mg/5mL
  • Oral tablet: 10 mg 
  • Chewable tablet: 5mg
  • Orally disintegrarting tablet: 5mg; 10 mg
  • Oral capsule: 10 mg

Administration:

By mouth

Therapeutic Uses:

Relief of cold and allergy symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose or throat 

Controlled Status:

Not a controlled substance


What is loratadine?

Loratadine hydrochloride is a second-generation antihistamine available with a prescription or over-the-counter. The most common use of loratadine is to temporarily relieve symptoms of hay fever (allergy to tree pollen, dust, and other substances in the air); it is also used to alleviate symptoms of other upper respiratory allergies, such as runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and itching of the nose or throat. 

Loratadine is also used to treat skin hives and itching from chronic skin disease.

Who can take loratadine?

  • Adults
  • Children who are at least 2 years old
  • For children under 2 years of age, consult their pediatrician
  • For people with liver and kidney disease, consult your doctor