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 the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. It is also used to treat skin hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions.
Loratadine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about loratadine?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to loratadine or to desloratadine (Clarinex).
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if you have liver or kidney disease.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Loratadine disintegrating tablets (Claritin Reditab) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of loratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking loratadine?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to loratadine or to desloratadine (Clarinex).
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:
kidney disease; or
liver disease.
FDA pregnancy category B: This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Loratadine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Loratadine disintegrating tablets (Claritin Reditab, Alavert) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of loratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old without the advice of a doctor.