Precautions
Two common over-the-counter medications, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Claritin (loratadine), can make short work of your symptoms. So it’s natural to wonder: Could you get extra relief if you take them together? The short answer is no. In fact, you’ll likely do more harm than good.
Does loratadine work same as Benadryl?
- rash
- hives
- itching
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- wheezing
What are the side effects of loratadine?
You'll usually take loratadine once a day. Loratadine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, but some people still find it makes them feel slightly sleepy. Children may have a headache and feel tired or nervous after taking loratadine. It's best not to drink alcohol while you're taking loratadine as it can make you feel sleepy.
Does loratadine make you drowsy?
Yes, it can. Loratadine, marketed under the names Claritin and Alavert, is used to treat allergies. It is a common medication, and one of its side effects is insomnia. Does loratadine cause insomnia for all users?
Is loratadine a sleep medication?
Is loratadine a good antihistamine?
Loratadine is an effective over-the-counter, non-sedating antihistamine used to treat sneezing, runny nose or watery eyes due to a cold or allergy, skin hives and itching.
What does loratadine do to the body?
Loratadine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
Should I take loratadine at night or in the morning?
Should I take Claritin (loratadine) at night or in the morning? Claritin (loratadine) can be taken either at night or in the morning since it normally doesn't cause sleepiness.
Who should not use loratadine?
The disintegrating tablet may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice.
What is the most powerful antihistamine?
Cetirizine is the most potent antihistamine available and has been subjected to more clinical study than any other.
Does loratadine raise blood pressure?
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Does loratadine have side effects?
A headache, fatigue, tiredness, or a dry mouth. Side effects are generally uncommon at recommended dosages. Generally does not cause drowsiness; however, some people may be affected so caution should be exercised before driving or operating machinery until the full effects of loratadine are known.
What drugs interact with loratadine?
Loratadine and cetirizine may also increase the depressant effects of central nervous system depressants such as opioid agonists and benzodiazepines. They should not be combined with azelastine, benzodiazepines, bromperidol, orphenadrine, oxomemazine, and paraldehyde.
How long does it take for loratadine to work?
Onset of action is within 1 hour and duration is at least 24 hours. Once-daily dosing is recommended. Generally, loratadine is as efficacious as existing antihistamines in relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and in suppressing wheal formation.
Can loratadine stop itching?
This medication is an antihistamine that treats symptoms such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from "hay fever" and other allergies. It is also used to relieve itching from hives. Loratadine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
What happens if you take 2 loratadine?
Contact 111 for advice if: You've taken more than your usual dose of loratadine and: you get a headache, have a fast heartbeat or feel sleepy.
Can I take 2 loratadine a day?
Adults and children 6 years of age and older—One tablet or 10 milligrams (mg) once a day. Do not take more than one tablet per day.
How long does it take loratadine to work?
Onset of action is within 1 hour and duration is at least 24 hours. Once-daily dosing is recommended. Generally, loratadine is as efficacious as existing antihistamines in relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and in suppressing wheal formation.
How long does loratadine stay in your system?
The elimination half-life of loratadine is 8–14 hours and that of its metabolite is 17–24 hours, which accounts for the 24-hour duration of action of the drug. Wheal inhibition is detected at 1.5 hours after administration, reaches a peak at 4–6 hours, and may last 36–48 hours.
What happens if you take 2 loratadine?
Common symptoms of overdosing on Claritin® may include drowsiness, headaches, and fast pounding heart rate. For any questions or concerns you may have about taking Claritin® or if someone has had more than the prescribed dosage, call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.
Does loratadine cause weight gain?
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) has also been linked to weight gain in some patients. However, newer antihistamines such as Claritin (loratadine) are associated with lesser weight gain as compared to the antihistamines mentioned above.
What is Loratadine used for?
Last updated on Oct 5, 2020. 1. How it works. Loratadine is an antihistamine that works selectively on peripheral histamine-1 (H-1) receptors (these are histamine receptors that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord).
What are the side effects of loratadine?
Downsides. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: A headache, fatigue, tiredness, or a dry mouth. Side effects are generally uncommon at recommended dosages.
What is the name of the drug that binds to histamine receptors?
Loratadine binds to histamine receptors and prevents histamine from affecting that receptor, which reduces the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Loratadine belongs to the group of drugs known as antihistamines. Loratadine may also be called an H1-antihistamine, a second-generation antihistamine, or a nonsedating antihistamine.
How long does it take for loratadine to work?
Loratadine is well absorbed after oral administration and peak levels are reached within an hour. Symptom relief may occur within 10-20 minutes of the first dose, with an average time of onset of 27 minutes. By 45 minutes, all patients should notice a reduction in their allergy symptoms.
What is the chemical that is released by mast cells in response to an allergen?
Histamine is a chemical that is released by mast cells in response to an allergen, and it is responsible for many of the symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the mucous membranes, sneezing, and itching.
What medications interact with Loratadine?
Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. Common medications that may interact with loratadine include: amiodarone. celecoxib.
Can you share loratadine with children?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use loratadine only for the indication prescribed.
What is Loratadine used for?
Expand Section. Loratadine is used to temporarily relieve the symptoms of hay fever (allergy to pollen, dust, or other substances in the air) and other allergies. These symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, nose, or throat. Loratadine is also used to treat itching and redness caused by hives.
What are the side effects of loratadine?
Some side effects may be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking loratadine and call your doctor immediately: 1 rash 2 hives 3 itching 4 swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs 5 hoarseness 6 difficulty breathing or swallowing 7 wheezing
What to do if you are allergic to loratadine?
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to loratadine, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in loratadine preparations. Check the package label for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking ...
How long does loratadine last?
Stop taking loratadine and call your doctor if your hives do not improve during the first 3 days of your treatment or if your hives last longer than 6 weeks. If you do not know the cause of your hives, call your doctor.
How to know if you are taking loratadine?
If you are taking loratadine to treat hives, and you develop any of the following symptoms, get emergency medical help right away: difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing; swelling in and around the mouth or swelling of the tongue; wheezing; drooling; dizziness; or loss of consciousness.
What happens if you stop taking loratadine?
Some side effects may be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking loratadine and call your doctor immediately: rash. hives. itching. swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs. hoarseness.
Can you use loratadine in place of epinephrine?
If your doctor suspects that you may experience anaphylaxis with your hives, he may prescribe an epinephrine injector (EpiPen). Do not use loratadine in place of the epinephrine injector.
What is the best medication for nasal allergy?
If antihistamines are not effectively managing your nasal allergy symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend another medication or combination therapy, such as an antihistamine along with a leukotriene modifier. 5 Leukotriene modifiers, including prescription Singulair (montelukast), target molecules called leukotrienes that contribute to mucus and airway inflammation.
What is the best medicine for a runny nose?
Claritin (loratadine) is a popular over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine used for treating allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and sneezing. It can also be used for treating itchy skin reactions and urticaria (hives).
How long can you take Claritin without food?
Take a missed dose as soon as possible unless it is almost time for the next dose, in which case you should just skip the dose you missed. Follow guidelines for maximum doses per 24 hours.
Is Claritin a second generation antihistamine?
Your doctor can help you evaluate if Claritin may be the best second-generation antihistamine for you or if another brand may be a better fit in your case. For example, while most people do not experience drowsiness while taking Claritin, this side effect can occur. If you experience this or are concerned about drowsiness, ...
Does histamine help with nasal allergies?
The medication blocks the actions of histamine, a substance that can be released by the immune system in response to harmless particles, such as pollen or mold. Histamine plays a major role in promoting nasal allergy symptoms, such as mucus, swelling, and itching. 1
Can Claritin cause allergic reactions?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects or symptoms of an allergic reaction while taking Claritin, seek urgent medical attention:
Is loratadine safe for anaphylaxis?
Loratadine is typically well-tolerated and most side effects are mild, but it can lead to serious side effects such as a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis in some instances.
What is the difference between cetirizine and loratadine?
Loratadine is an antihistamine that effectively treats allergic-type reactions such as hay fever and is unlikely to cause drowsiness. ...
What is the half life of a drug?
The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.
Is Loratadine an antihistamine?
View. more. Loratadine is an antihistamine that effectively treats allergic-type reactions such as hay fever and is unlikely to cause drowsiness. Prescribed for Urticaria, Allergic Rhinitis, Allergic Reactions...
What is the most potent antihistamine?
Among second-generation antihistamines, the most potent are Xzal (levocetirizine) and Allegra (fexofenadine), which are available over the counter. 4
How do antihistamines help with histamine?
Antihistamines reduce the amount of histamine circulating in your system, thereby reducing symptoms.
How long does it take for Claritin to work?
Zyrtec and Allegra work quickly for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and hives, typically within less than an hour. On the other hand, studies show that Claritin takes many hours to start working.
Which antihistamines are good for hay fever?
So while Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra are all newer generation antihistamines that can treat hay fever or hives, there may be some advantages for each of these over the others.
Is Claritin sedating or nonsedating?
For instance, Allegra is completely non-sedating (doesn't make people sleepy), while Claritin is minimally sedating (makes only a small number of people sleepy). Zyrtec, on the other hand, causes sedation in approximately one in six people who take the medication.
Is Allegra safe for breastfeeding?
Allegra is considered to be safer for breastfeeding mothers compared to Zyrtec and Claritin. However, all three are deemed to be safe during lactation. 2
Is Claritin a first generation antihistamine?
Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra are all considered newer generation antihistamines. First-generation antihistamines, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Atarax ( hydroxyzine ), can be helpful for allergies and hives as well, but their use is limited due to side effects such as fatigue and sedation (sleepiness). 1 .
What is the purpose of Loratadine?
Loratadine is a long-acting, non-sedating antihistamine used to treat allergies. Loratadine blocks one type of histamine receptor (the H1 receptor) and thus prevents activation of cells with H1 receptors by histamine.
What are the side effects of loratadine?
The most common adverse events with loratadine are: 1 headache, 2 drowsiness, 3 fatigue and 4 dry mouth.
How to prevent allergies?
Avoiding allergy triggers at home is one of the best ways to prevent allergy symptoms. Controlling temperature, humidity, and ventilation are a few ways to allergy-proof the home. Cleaning, vacuuming, and using HEPA air filters also helps control allergies.
Is cetirizine a sedative?
Cetirizine is a non-sedating antihistamine. It is similar to other second-generation antihistamines including loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine ( Allegra) and azelastine ( Astelin ). Histamine is a chemical responsible for many of the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions such as swelling of the lining of the nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
Is loratadine over the counter?
Both cetirizine and loratadine are available over-the-counter (OTC ) and in generic form. Side effects of cetirizine and loratadine that are similar include drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, and fatigue.
Is cetirizine safe for pregnant women?
Cetirizine has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women. Available evidence suggests that risk to the developing fetus is low.
Does Theophylline increase cetirizine?
Theophylline ( Theo-Dur, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theo-24, Theolair, Uniphyl, Slo-Phyllin)reduces the breakdown of cetirizine by 16% and can increase blood levels of cetirizine . Drugs that cause drowsiness may add to drowsiness resulting from cetirizine.
How old do you have to be to take loratadine?
A child's dose is based on age and some forms of loratadine are not for use in children younger than 6 years old. Carefully follow the dosing instructions provided with this medicine.
What other drugs will affect Claritin?
Other drugs may interact with loratadine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
What is Claritin?
Claritin ( loratadine) is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
What is the best medicine for a runny nose?
Claritin (loratadine) is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. Claritin is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other cold or allergy symptoms.
Can you give Claritin to a child?
Do not give Claritin to a child younger than 2 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.
Does Claritin make you feel tired?
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; Common Claritin side effects may include: headache; feeling tired or drowsy; stomach pain, vomiting; dry mouth; or. feeling nervous or hyperactive. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Can you take Claritin if you have kidney disease?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking Claritin if you have liver or kidney disease.
How It Works
This medication is an antihistamine that treats symptoms such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from "hay fever" and other allergies. It is also used to relieve itching from hives. Loratadine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
May Treat: Allergic rhinitis · Allergic conjunctivitis · Sneezing · Chronic idiopathic urticaria
Brand Names: Claritin · Alavert · Claritin Liqui-Gel · Children's Claritin · Children's Loratadine and more
Drug Class: Antihistamines - 2nd Generation · Antihistamines - 2nd Generation - Piperidines
Availability: Prescription sometimes needed
Pregnancy: Consult your doctor
May Treat: Allergic rhinitis · Allergic conjunctivitis · Sneezing · Chronic idiopathic urticaria
Brand Names: Claritin · Alavert · Claritin Liqui-Gel · Children's Claritin · Children's Loratadine and more
Drug Class: Antihistamines - 2nd Generation · Antihistamines - 2nd Generation - Piperidines
Availability: Prescription sometimes needed
Pregnancy: Consult your doctor
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
- Avoid smoking, allergens, smoke and irritants.
- Skip missed dose if almost time for next dose
- Check warnings on OTC medications.
- Avoid smoking, allergens, smoke and irritants.
- Skip missed dose if almost time for next dose
- Check warnings on OTC medications.
- Room temperature
- For solution, oral products : Unless MD directs, do not use in kids less than 2. Measure dose using a dosing spoon/cup/syringe. Use caution when driving or operating machinery. Reduce or avoid drinking alcohol. Call doctor if you are not getting better.
- For tablet products : Unless MD directs, do not use in kids less than 6. Protect from heat, light, & moisture.
- For tablet, chewable products : Chew medicine completely before swallowing.
- For tablet, disintegrating products : Peel open with dry hands & place tablet on tongue. Tell doctor your complete medical history. Store in a cool and dry place at room temperature.
Upsides
Downsides
Bottom Line
Tips
- Loratadine may be used to treat allergic reactions.
- Loratadine works selectively on peripheral histamine-1 (H-1) receptors (these are histamine receptors that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord). Because it acts on peripheral histamine...
- Histamine is a chemical that is released by mast cells in response to an allergen, and it is res…
- Loratadine may be used to treat allergic reactions.
- Loratadine works selectively on peripheral histamine-1 (H-1) receptors (these are histamine receptors that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord). Because it acts on peripheral histamine...
- Histamine is a chemical that is released by mast cells in response to an allergen, and it is responsible for many of the symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the mucous membranes,...
- Loratadine belongs to the group of drugs known as antihistamines. Loratadine may also be called an H1-antihistamine, a second-generation antihistamine, or a nonsedating antihistamine.
Response and Effectiveness
- Used to treat allergic-type reactions due to perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
- Effective at controlling symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose that occur as a result of other respiratory allergens.
- Can provide relief from the itching that occurs as a result of chronic urticaria (hives). Symptoms include raised, red, itchy bumps, streaks, or blotches on the skin.
- Used to treat allergic-type reactions due to perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
- Effective at controlling symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose that occur as a result of other respiratory allergens.
- Can provide relief from the itching that occurs as a result of chronic urticaria (hives). Symptoms include raised, red, itchy bumps, streaks, or blotches on the skin.
- May be used in the treatment of other allergic skin disorders.
Interactions
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. A headache, fatigue, tiredness, or a dry mouth. Side effects are generally uncommon at recommended dosages. 2. Generally does not cause drowsiness; however, some people may be affected so caution shoul…
Further Information
- Loratadine is an antihistamine that effectively treats allergic-type reactions such as hay fever and is unlikely to cause drowsiness.