- What is it for
- How to take
- Who should not use
- Possible side effects
- Are Loratadine and Desloratadine the same thing?
Loratadine is an antihistamine remedy used to reduce allergy symptoms in adults and children.
This medicine can be found under the trade name Claritin or in generic form and is available in syrup and tablets, and should only be used if recommended by the doctor.
What is it for
Loratadine belongs to a class of drugs known as antihistamines, which help to reduce the symptoms of allergy, preventing the effects of histamine, which is a substance produced by the body itself.
Thus, loratadine can be used to relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as nasal itching, runny nose, sneezing, burning and itchy eyes. In addition, it can also be used to relieve the signs and symptoms of hives and other skin allergies.
How to take
Loratadine is available in syrup and tablets and the recommended dosage for each is as follows:
Pills
For adults and children over 12 years old or with a body weight over 30 kg the usual dose is 1 10 mg tablet, once a day.
Syrup
For adults and children over 12 years of age the usual dose is 10 mL of loratadine, once daily.
For children aged 2 to 12 years with a body weight below 30 kg, the recommended dose is 5 mL once a day.
Who should not use
This medicine is contraindicated for people who have demonstrated any type of allergic reaction to any of the components of the formula.
In addition, loratadine should also not be used in pregnancy, breastfeeding or in people with liver or kidney disease. However, the doctor may recommend this medicine if he understands that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Possible side effects
The most common adverse effects that can occur with the use of loratadine are headache, tiredness, upset stomach, nervousness and skin rashes.
In rarer cases, hair loss, severe allergic reactions, liver problems, increased heart rate, palpitations and dizziness may also occur.
Loratadine generally does not cause dry mouth or sleep.
Are Loratadine and Desloratadine the same thing?
Loratadine and desloratadine are both antihistamines and act in the same way, blocking H1 receptors, thus preventing the action of histamine, which is the substance that causes allergy symptoms.
However, they have some differences. Desloratadine is obtained from loratadine, resulting in a medicine that has a longer half-life, which means that it stays in the body longer, and in addition its structure has less capacity to cross the brain and cause drowsiness in relation to loratadine.
