loratadine

loratadine /lor·at·a·dine/ (lah-rat´ah-dēn) a nonsedating antihistamine used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, chronic idiopathic urticaria, and asthma.

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lor·at·a·dine (lôr-t-dn)

n.

A nonsedating antihistamine used to treat allergic rhinitis and other allergic disorders.

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loratadine

[lärat′ädēn]

a nonsedating antihistamine (H₁-receptor antagonist) used for treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria and as a treatment adjunct in asthma, administered orally.

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loratadine

(lrat´dēn),
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.

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antihistamine 

Any substance that reduces the effect of histamine or blocks histamine receptors, usually the histamine 1 (H1) receptor. It is used in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis and also in the temporary relief of minor allergic symptoms of the eye. Common agents include antazoline sulfate, azelastine hydrochloride, cetirizine, chlorphenamine, emedastine, epinastine hydrochloride, ketotifen, levocabastine, loratadine and olopatadine. See hypersensitivity; mast cell stabilizers.

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loratadine

Alavert, 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.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	1-3 hr	8-12 hr	>24 hr

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.