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

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.