Alavert (loratadine)

What is loratadine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

Loratadine is a long-acting, non-sedating antihistamine that is used for the treatment of allergies. Histamine is a chemical that causes many of the signs and symptoms of an allergy. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells (mast cells) and attaches to other cells that have receptors for histamine on their surfaces. Histamine stimulates the cells to release chemicals that produce effects that we associate with allergy, including welts, itching, and tissue swelling. Loratadine blocks one type of histamine receptor (the H1 receptor) and thus prevents activation of cells with H1 receptors by histamine. Unlike some antihistamines, loratadine does not enter the brain from the blood and, therefore, does not cause drowsiness when taken at recommended doses. The FDA approved loratadine in April 1993.

What brand names are available for loratadine?

Claritin, Claritin RediTabs, Alavert, Claritin Hives Relief, Children's Claritin, and others

Is loratadine available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

Do I need a prescription for loratadine?

No

What are the uses for loratadine?

• Loratadine is used for the relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal hay fever (allergic rhinitis).
• It is also used to treat patients with chronic welts (urticaria) and allergic skin rash.

What are the side effects of loratadine?

The most common adverse events with loratadine are:

• headache,
• drowsiness,
• fatigue and
• dry mouth.

Nervousness and difficulty sleeping have also been reported.

What is the dosage for loratadine?

The usual dose of loratadine is 10 mg daily for adults and children older than six years of age. The dose for children 2 to 6 years of age is 5 mg daily.

Which drugs or supplements interact with loratadine?

: Erythromycin, cimetidine (Tagamet), and ketoconazole (Nizoral) increase the blood concentration of loratadine by inhibiting the elimination of loratadine. This may result in increased adverse events from loratadine.
St. John's wort, carbamazepine (Tegretol, Tegretol XR , Equetro, Carbatrol, Epitol, Teril), and rifampin reduce blood levels of loratadine.

Is loratadine safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

Loratadine is secreted in breast milk at levels similar to blood levels. Nursing mothers should decide whether to stop breastfeeding or discontinue loratadine.

What else should I know about loratadine?

What preparations of loratadine are available?

• Tablets: 10 mg.
• Tablets, disintegrating: 5 and 10 mg.
• Tablets, chewable: 5 mg.
• Syrup: 5 mg/5 ml.

How should I keep loratadine stored?

Tablets should be stored between 2 C and 30 C (36 F and 86 F), and syrup should be stored between 2 C and 25 C (36 and 77 F).

Summary

Loratadine (Claritin, Claritin RediTabs, Alavert, Claritin Hives Relief, Children's Claritin, and others) is drug prescribed for the treatment of the symptoms of non-nasal and nasal seasonal allergic rhinitis and hives (urticaria or allergic skin rash). Drug interactions, dosing, and side effects are discussed in the information.