Loratadine

In Aotearoa New Zealand, loratadine is available as capsules (10 mg), tablets (10 mg), chewable (5 mg) and disintegrating tablets (10 mg) or as a liquid (1 mg in 1 mL).

• The usual dose of loratadine for adults and children over 12 years is 1 tablet (10 mg) once a day.
• The dose for children under 12 years depends on their age and weight.
• Your healthcare provider or pharmacist will advise you on the correct dose for your child.
• You can just take loratadine on the days you need it. It can be restarted if the symptoms come back.
• Some people take loratadine for a few weeks when their allergies are a problem, such as in spring. Others take it long term to help control allergy symptoms.

• Timing: Take loratadine once a day at the same time each day, either in the morning OR in the evening. 
• Food: You can take loratadine with or without food.
• Capsules or tablets: Swallow the capsule or tablet whole, with a glass of water. The tablet can be halved if you find it difficult swallowing a whole tablet but you can also try the liquid or disintegrating tablets below.
• Children's Claratyne® are tablets that may be chewed.
• Claratyne RediTabs® can be taken without water as they dissolve or melt in your mouth.  
• Liquid loratadine: Shake the bottle well and use an oral syringe or measuring spoon to measure each dose.
• Missed dose: It isn't harmful if you miss your loratadine dose. If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. But if it's less than 12 hours for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Don't take double the dose.

• Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
• Do you have epilepsy?
• Do you have problems with your liver?
• Are you taking or using any other medicines? This includes any medicines available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

If so, it’s important that you tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist before you start loratadine.

Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions, or it can only be used with extra care.

Here are some things to know when you're taking loratadine. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• Alcohol: Limit drinking alcohol while you are taking loratadine. It may increase your chance of side effects such as feeling sleepy. 
• Driving: Some people might feel sleepy when taking loratadine. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Other medicines: Loratadine may interact with some medicines, so check with your pharmacist before starting loratadine and before starting any new medicines. If taken with other antihistamines, such as some cough and cold medicines, it may make you even more sleepy.

Like all medicines, loratadine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Common side effects

Tell your healthcare provider if these side effects bother you.

• Mild headache. Drink plenty of water.
• Feeling tired or sleepy. Try taking loratadine at night. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid or limit alcohol – it makes these symptoms worse.

Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur

• Changes in eyesight.
• Dry mouth.
• Problems passing urine (peeing).
• Constipation (hard poos).
   

Phone 111 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) clinic if these occur

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as itchy skin, and rash, swollen lips or tongue, problems breathing, like a tight chest or shortness of breath.
   

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.