Loratadine

Indications

Loratadine is used for: Pneumonia, Allergic rhinitis, Pruritus, Urticaria, Sneezing, Allergic conditions, Rhinorrhea, Lacrimation

Adult Dose

Oral Allergic Rhinitis, Urticaria Tablet 10 mg once daily or 5 mg 12 hrly. not to exceed 10 mg qDAy Oral Suspension 2 teaspoonful (10 ml) suspension once daily or 1 teaspoonful (5 ml) suspension 12 hrly. Hepatic impairment: 10 mg PO every other day

Child Dose

Oral Tablet Allergic Rhinitis <2 years: Safety and efficacy not established 2-6 years: 5 mg PO qDay >6 years: 10 mg PO qDay; not to exceed 10 mg qDay Urticaria <6 years: Safety and efficacy not established > 6 years: 10 mg PO qDay Oral Suspension Allergic Rhinitis <2 years: Safety and efficacy not established 2-6 years: 1 teaspoonful (5 ml) suspension once daily. >6 years: 2 teaspoonful (10 ml) suspension once daily; not to exceed 10 mg qDay Urticaria <6 years: Safety and efficacy not established > 6 years: 2 teaspoonful (10 ml) suspension once daily

Renal Dose

Renal impairment Adult (GFR <30 mL/min): 10 mg PO every other day 2-6 years: 5 mg PO every other day >6 years: 10 mg PO every other day

Administration

May be taken with or without food.

Contra Indications

Pregnancy, lactation, children <2 yr.

Precautions

Severe hepatic damage, epilepsy, renal insufficiency. Lactation: Excreted in breast milk; avoid (AAP Committee states compatible with nursing)

Pregnancy-Lactation

Pregnancy category: B Lactation: Excreted in breast milk; avoid (AAP Committee states compatible with nursing)

Interactions

May increase plasma concentrations w/ inhibitors of CYP3A4 and/or CYP2D6 (e.g. cimetidine, erythromycin, ketoconazole, clarithromycin, quinidine, fluconazole, fluoxetine).

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Loratadine : >10% Headache (12%) 1-10% Somnolence (8%).Drowsiness (8%), Nervousness (4%), Fatigue (3-4%), Dry mouth (3%), Hyperkinesia (3%), Conjunctivitis (2%), Dysphonia (2%), Malaise (2%), URTI (2%), Abdominal pain (2%) Frequency Not Defined Autonomic nervous system: Altered lacrimation, altered salivation, flushing, hypoesthesia, impotence, increased sweating, thirst Cardiovascular: HTN, hypotension, palpitations, supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, syncope, tachycardia CNS: Blepharospasm, dizziness, dysphonia, hypertonia, migraine, paresthesia, tremor, vertigo GI: Altered taste, anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, gastritis, hiccup, increased appetite, loose stools, nausea, vomiting Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia, myalgia Psychiatric: Agitation, amnesia, anxiety, confusion, decreased libido, depression, impaired concentration, insomnia, irritability, paroniria Reproductive: Breast pain, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, vaginitis Respiratory: Bronchitis, bronchospasm, coughing, dyspnea, hemoptysis, laryngitis, nasal dryness, sinusitis, sneezing Skin: Dermatitis, dry hair, dry skin, photosensitivity reaction, pruritus, purpura, urticaria Urinary: Altered micturition, urinary discoloration, urinary incontinence, urinary retention Other Angioneurotic edema, Asthenia, Back pain, Blurred vision, Chest pain, Earache, Eye pain, Fever, Leg cramps, Malaise Rigors, Tinnitus, Weight gain

Mechanism of Action

Loratadine is a non-sedating antihistamine. It works by selectively binding to peripheral histamine H1-receptors on effector cells.