How does it work?

Loratadine belongs to a group of medicines called non-sedating antihistamines. Histamine is a chemical produced by the body. It is stored in cells (mast cells) in almost all tissues of the body. When the body reacts to a foreign substance (an allergen e.g. flower pollen), the mast cells release their stores of histamine. Histamine may then bind to receptors (H-1 receptors) in many areas of the body causing an increase in blood flow to the area of the allergy and the release of other chemicals that add to the allergic response. This stimulates the symptoms of an allergic reaction such as inflammation of the skin, airways or tissues, rashes, itching of the skin, eyes or nose, nasal congestion or narrowing of the airways. Loratadine acts by blocking the binding of histamine to receptors in the body. It does not prevent the actual release of histamine from mast cells. By blocking the binding of histamine, the release of other chemicals and increased blood supply to the area is prevented or decreased. This results in prevention or relief of the typical symptoms of an allergic reaction. Histamine may be released from and act in a small (localised) area of the body e.g the nose. Alternatively, histamine can result in a serious or complete body reaction e.g. anaphylactic reaction. Loratadine is only useful for the prevention or relief of localised or less serious allergies such as hay fever or itchy rash (rather than very serious allergic reactions). Loratadine is called a non-sedating anti-histamine as it does not enter the brain in significant quantities and is therefore unlikely to cause drowsiness.

What is it used for?

Hayfever

Hayfever that occurs throughout the year due to allergies, eg pets, dust mites

Ongoing itchy rash with no known cause

Warning!

Loratadine must be stopped at least 4 days prior to any allergy skin tests that may be required.

Loratadine tablets are only recommended for adults and children over 12 years of age. Loratadine syrup may be used in adults and children over the age of 2.

Not to be used in

Breastfeeding

Children under 2 years of age

Pregnancy

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. The manufacturer therefore advises that it should be avoided during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. It is recommended that mothers should avoid using this medicine while breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Nausea

Fatigue

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Loratadine blood levels are increased by: Cimetidine Erythromycin and ketoconazole. However, the increase in the blood levels of loratadine does not result in increased side-effects. Loratadine blood levels may also be increased by: Fluconazole Fluoxetine and quinidine. However, the possible increase in the blood levels of loratadine is not expected to result in increased side-effects.

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