loratadine
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loratadine
[lah-rat´ah-dēn]loratadine
Aerius (CA), Alavert, Allertin, Claritin, Claritin RediTabs, Clarityn (UK)
Pharmacologic class: Histamine1-receptor antagonist (second-generation)
Therapeutic class: Antihistamine (nonsedating)
Pregnancy risk category B
Action
Selective histamine1-receptor antagonist. Blocks peripheral effects of histamine release during allergic reactions, decreasing or preventing allergy symptoms.
Availability
Syrup: 1 mg/ml
Tablets: 10 mg
Tablets (rapidly disintegrating): 10 mg
⊘Indications and dosages
➣ Seasonal allergies; chronic idiopathic urticaria
Adults and children ages 6 and older: 10 mg P.O. daily
Children ages 2 to 5: 5 mg P.O. daily
Dosage adjustment
• Renal or hepatic impairment
Contraindications
• Hypersensitivity to drug
Precautions
Use cautiously in:
• renal or hepatic impairment
• elderly patients
• pregnant patients
• children younger than age 2 (safety not established).
Administration
• Give once a day on empty stomach.
• Place rapidly disintegrating tablet on tongue; give with or without water.
• Use rapidly disintegrating tablets within 6 months of opening foil pouch and immediately after opening individual tablet blister.

Adverse reactions
CNS: headache, nervousness, insomnia
EENT: conjunctivitis, earache, epistaxis, pharyngitis
GI: abdominal pain; dry mouth; diarrhea, stomatitis (in children)
Skin: rash, photosensitivity, angioedema
Other: tooth disorder (in children), fever, flulike symptoms, viral infections
Interactions
Drug-food.Any food: increased drug absorption
Patient monitoring
• Watch for adverse reactions, especially in children.
• Assess patient's response to drug.
• Watch for new symptoms or exacerbation of existing symptoms.
Patient teaching
• Advise patient to take exactly as prescribed, once a day on empty stomach.
• Tell patient to report persistent or worsening symptoms.
• Instruct patient to report adverse reactions, such as headache or nervousness.
• Caution patient to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until he knows how drug affects concentration and alertness.
• As appropriate, review all other significant adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the foods mentioned above.
loratadine
/lor·at·a·dine/ (lah-rat´ah-dēn) a nonsedating antihistamine used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, chronic idiopathic urticaria, and asthma.loratadine
(lôr-ăt′ə-dēn′)loratadine
loratadine
An ANTIHISTAMINE drug used to treat hay fever and other allergic disorders.antihistamine
loratadine
n brand name: Claritin;
drug class: antihistamine, H1 histamine antagonist;
action: acts on blood vessels, gastrointestinal system, respiratory system by competing with histamine for H1-receptor site; decreases allergic response by blocking histamine;
uses: seasonal rhinitis, allergy symptoms, idiopathic chronic urticaria.