LORATADINE oral

Therapeutic action

•  H1 antihistamine

Indications

• Symptomatic treatment of minor allergic reactions (urticaria, allergic conjunctivitis, etc.)

Forms and strengths

• 5 mg/5 ml oral solution
• 10 mg tablet

Dosage

• Child over 2 years and under 30 kg: 5 mg (5 ml) once daily
• Child over 30 kg and adult: 10 mg (1 tab) once daily

Duration

• As short as possible (a few days).

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Administer with caution and reduce the dose (administer every other day) in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment.
• May cause: headache, dizziness, drowsiness (caution when driving/operating machinery), nervousness, insomnia, increased appetite, rash.
• Monitor combination with: 
  • central nervous system depressants (opioid analgesics, antipsychotics, sedatives, antidepressants, etc.);
  • erythromycin, fluconazole, fluoxetine, amiodarone, ritonavir, cimetidine (increased plasma concentrations of loratadine).
• Avoid alcohol during treatment (increased risk of adverse effects).
• Pregnancy: avoid during the first trimester (uncertain risk of hypospadias)
• Breast-feeding: no contra-indication

Remarks

• Loratadine is less sedating than promethazine.

Storage