What are Loratadine tablets?

Loratadine can be taken by children and adults from the age of 2 years to treat the symptoms caused by mild to moderate allergic conditions.

Loratadine is a medicine known as a non-drowsy, antihistamine that when taken once a day prevents the body from having an inflammatory reaction to something it is allergic to.

What is Loratadine used for?

Loratadine tablets can be used to treat symptoms of allergies caused by:

• Hay fever
• Skin reactions - rashes such as hives
• Pets and dust mites
• Insect bites and stings
• Mild food allergies

Symptoms of allergies may include:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy nose and throat
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Itchy skin and rashes

How does Loratadine work?

Loratadine is an antihistamine and works just as the name suggests, by blocking the substance histamine.

Histamines are naturally produced by the body when it comes into contact with something it is allergic to. This reaction is what causes the inflammation and irritation in the eyes, nose and skin. Loratadine prevents this reaction from taking place.

Loratadine vs Cetirizine - can you take them together?

Loratadine and cetirizine both fall into the category of non-drowsy antihistamines. They both work in the same way to reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate allergic reactions.

Both loratadine and cetirizine are taken once a day and it is not recommended to take more than one antihistamine within 24 hours unless you have been advised to do this by a doctor.

What is the difference between Loratadine and Cetirizine?

Both loratadine and cetirizine are long-acting, non-drowsy antihistamines that have similar effectiveness in tackling symptoms of allergies.

Cetirizine, unlike loratadine, however, has been reported to cause the following side effects:

• Feeling sick
• Jitteriness
• Sore throat
• Cetirizine has also reportedly more often caused drowsiness.

Loratadine, unlike cetirizine, may cause the following side effects:

• Nervousness
• Disturbed sleep

Is Loratadine or Cetirizine better for itching?

Both Loratadine and Cetirizine are effective for the treatment of itchy skin caused by an allergic condition.

There is currently no research to suggest that either loratadine or cetirizine is more effective than the other but some people may feel that personally, one manages their symptoms better than the other.

Loratadine vs Desloratadine

Desloratadine is another type of non-drowsy antihistamine that is the active metabolite of loratadine, this means it is the end product that is left after loratadine is broken down by the body.

Desloratadine can be used in the same way of loratadine to reduce symptoms of allergies that affect the eyes, mouth, nose and skin.

One of the only differences between loratadine and desloratadine, is that desloratadine can be used for children from 1 year whereas loratadine is only licensed for use in children over 2 years old.

Read our indepth guide on Desloratadine vs Loratadine for more information, or view the Desloratadine treatment here.

Loratadine and Sertraline

Sertraline is a prescription only medication used to reduce the effects of depression. There is no indication to suggest that you cannot take Loratadine at the same time as sertraline, however if you have been taking or are currently taking any medication you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking loratadine.

Does Loratadine make you drowsy?

Loratadine is classified as a non-sedating antihistamine, which means it has been specially formulated to not make you feel drowsy.

In some people, however, loratadine may cause people to feel more sleepy than normal for them. It is therefore advisable to wait, to make sure you feel alert, before you drive or operate heavy machinery when taking loratadine.

Sources

• https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/loratadine/
• https://bnf.nice.org.uk/interaction/loratadine-2.html
• https://bnfc.nice.org.uk/drug/desloratadine.html
• https://patient.info/medicine/loratadine-for-allergies
• https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/cetirizine/
• https://bnfc.nice.org.uk/treatment-summary/antihistamines-allergen-immunotherapy-and-allergic-emergencies.html
• Loratadine Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/8911/pil