Loratadine is a once-daily non-drowsy antihistamine, and the one least likely of the common three to make you sleepy. It is also the one with the most reassuring safety record in pregnancy, which is why it tends to be recommended first there.
Hay fever and allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, hives, and itching from allergic reactions including insect bites and stings.
Like other antihistamines, it does far more for sneezing, itching and a runny nose than for congestion. A blocked nose needs a steroid nasal spray.
Adults and children over 12 take 10mg once daily. Children aged 2 to 12 take a lower dose based on weight — follow the label or ask us.
Take it with or without food, at the same time each day. It usually starts working within one to three hours and lasts a full 24 hours.
For seasonal hay fever, daily use through the season is more effective than as-needed dosing.
Loratadine is well tolerated. Headache, tiredness, dry mouth and nausea are the most commonly reported, and are usually mild.
Drowsiness is uncommon but not impossible — if it affects you, do not drive or operate machinery.
Get medical help for swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe rash.
People with liver problems may need a reduced dose or less frequent dosing. Anyone with severe kidney problems should check first.
Loratadine is generally the preferred antihistamine in pregnancy where one is needed, and can be used while breastfeeding. As with other antihistamines, stop it several days before allergy skin-prick testing.
1 Lyng Lane, West Bromwich B70 7RW · Mon–Fri 8:30am–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm · 0121 500 5756
Ask our pharmacist →We use essential cookies to make the site work — things like your basket, sign-in and secure checkout. With your permission we’d also like to use analytics cookies to understand how the site is used and improve it. See our cookie policy.
