Loratadine
Loratadine is a non-sedating second-generation antihistamine used to treat allergic conditions such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis), allergic conjunctivitis, and chronic urticaria (hives). It provides relief from symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes by blocking histamine receptors in the body.
Loratadine is a once-daily, non-drowsy antihistamine used to treat common allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- R06AX13
- RxNorm
- 202992
- Generic
- Loratadine
- Class
- atc-r06
- Brands
- Wal-itin D, Loradamed, Wal-vert, Allerclear, Cleartime Indoor & Outdoor Allergies, Claritin, Claritin-D, Alavert, Tavist Non-Sedating, Alavert D, Wal-itin
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- safe
- Half-life (h)
- 8
- Onset (min)
- 60
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, oral solution, syrup
- Regions
- United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia
- Monitoring
- no specific monitoring required
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 10mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
generally considered safe but use only if clearly needed
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
generally considered safe but use only if clearly needed
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
generally considered safe but use only if clearly needed
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment typically needed
small amounts excreted in breast milk; generally considered compatible with breastfeeding
monitor infant for excessive drowsiness
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 2 years and olderage and weight appropriate dosing
approved for use in children 2 years and older; follow pediatric dosing guidelines
standard pediatric monitoring
pediatric_age
infants under 2 yearsnot recommended
not recommended for children under 2 years unless specifically prescribed by physician
close monitoring if used
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyno routine adjustment needed
generally well tolerated in elderly; use standard adult dosing
standard geriatric care
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dosage adjustment needed for mild to moderate renal impairment
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severereduce dose to every 24 hours
reduce dosing frequency to once daily in severe renal impairment
monitor renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
generally well tolerated
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severeconsider reduced dose
use with caution; consider dose reduction in severe hepatic impairment
monitor liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
FDA approval year for Loratadine
Drug class
H1 receptor antagonist, non-sedating antihistamine
Common uses
Treatment of seasonal allergies and hives
Availability
Available without prescription in most formulations
Treats seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic conjunctivitis, and chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives/rash). Provides relief from sneezing, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, and skin itching associated with allergies.
Loratadine is a selective peripheral H1 receptor antagonist. It blocks histamine from binding to H1 receptors, preventing allergic symptoms such as itching, swelling, and mucus production. It has minimal penetration across the blood-brain barrier, resulting in less drowsiness compared to first-generation antihistamines.
Generally well-tolerated with once-daily dosing. May cause mild headache, dry mouth, or fatigue in some users. Those with liver impairment should use caution. Typically avoided in children under 2 years without medical supervision. Inform your doctor of all medications before use, as interactions are uncommon but possible.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy