Pregnancy Risk Category B
How supplied
Tablets: 10 mg
Tablets (rapidly disintegrating): 10 mg
Syrup: 1 mg/ml
Action
Blocks effects of histamine at H1-receptor sites. Loratadine is a nonsedating antihistamine; its chemical structure prevents entry into the CNS.
Indications & dosage
Symptomatic treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria--
Adults and children ages 6 and over: 10 mg P.O. daily.
Adjust-a-dose: For renally impaired patients with glomerular filtration rate below 30 ml/minute and for those with hepatic failure, initial dose is 10 mg every other day.
Adverse reactions
CNS: headache, somnolence, fatigue.
GI: dry mouth.
Skin: photosensitivity reactions.
Interactions
Drug-drug. Cimetidine, macrolide antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin): increased loratadine plasma levels. Monitor patient closely.
Drug-herb. Licorice: may prolong the QT interval and be potentially additive. Use together cautiously.
Drug-lifestyle. Alcohol use: increased CNS depression. Use cautiously.
Sun exposure: photosensitivity reactions may occur. Avoid prolonged or unprotected sun exposure.
Effects on diagnostic tests
Drug can prevent, reduce, or mask positive skin test response.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug.
Nursing considerations
Patient teaching
*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine. †Canada ‡Australia §U.K. OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING