Allergies Common Treatments All About Loratadine (Claritin) By Kristin Hayes, RN facebook twitter Kristin Hayes, RN, is a registered nurse specializing in ear, nose, and throat disorders for both adults and children. Learn about our editorial process Kristin Hayes, RN Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel More, MD on November 28, 2019 Daniel More, MD, is a board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist. He is an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and currently practices at Central Coast Allergy and Asthma in Salinas, California. Learn about our Medical Review Board Daniel More, MD Updated on January 03, 2020 Print Allergies Overview Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Coping Echo / Cultura / Getty Images In This Article Table of Contents Expand Dosage Precautions and Contraindications Side Effects Warning and Interactions View All Loratadine (brand name Claritin) is an antihistamine used to treat allergies, (allergic rhinitis), and allergic symptoms including runny nose, itchy eyes, nose, or throat, urticaria (hives), and certain allergic skin reactions. It can be used for both seasonal or perennial allergies. It is considered a tricyclic antihistamine. Loratadine is available over-the-counter. Dosage Loratadine comes in a pill or liquid form. The standard adult dose for loratadine is 10 milligrams (mg) daily. You can take loratadine with or without food. You should follow the instructions given by your physician and pharmacist. If you miss a dose take it as soon as possible unless it is almost time for the next dose in which case you should just skip the dose you missed. This medication may be prescribed "off-label" which means that your doctor may prescribe this medication for an illness other than allergies. If you accidentally take more of this medication than prescribed call Poison Control or 911. Other Names for Loratadine Loratadine is sold under the names Claritin, Alavert, Claritin Redi Tabs, and Claritin 24 hour. The following are combination products which contain loratadine: Claritin D, Claritin D 12 hour, Claritin D 24 hour Precautions and Contraindications Loratadine should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting your doctor, as it's safety has not been established. People with liver problems should talk to their doctor before using loratadine as they usually require a lower dose. You should not take loratadine if you have previously had an allergic reaction to any medications containing loratadine. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), be sure to check the label on quick-dissolve tablets, as they may contain aspartame. Side Effects Side effects of loratadine in clinical trials were mild. During clinical trials, sleepiness was not reported more often with the use of loratadine than with a placebo. Side effects reported with the use of loratadine included: HeadacheDry mouthNosebleed Sore throat Mouth sores Sleep disturbances NervousnessWeaknessStomach painDiarrheaRed or itchy eyesMuscle painSleepinessPainful menstrual periodsFatigueAbnormal movements (hyperkinesia in children) Alopecia (hair loss, rare) Abnormal liver function (rare) Contact your doctor if you have any severe side effects after taking loratadine. The following side effects need to be treated immediately as they may indicate a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis:Difficulty breathingHoarsenessSwelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongueDroolingWheezingThese conditions may or may not be accompanied by a rash or hives. Warning and Interactions Some medications have been shown to interfere with loratadine blood concentrations, including: Ketoconazole ErythromycinCimetidine Your doctor should have a complete list of all medications that you are taking including over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, and herbs. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. U.S. Food and Drug Administration: AccessData. Label: Claritin. U.S. Food and Drug Administration: AccessData. Full Prescribing Information: Claritin. Additional Reading U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus. Loratadine. Updated May 18, 2018.