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Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine drug. Its use includes, inter alia, allergic rhinitis, treatment of idiopathic urticaria or allergic conjunctivitis. Due to the fact that loratadine has a low effect on the central nervous system and is selective for the histamine receptor, its intake is considered safe.

Action of loratadine

Loratadine is a selective peripheral histamine H1 receptor antagonist. This drug has an improved molecular structure that ensures good absorption from the gastrointestinal tract with little effect on the central nervous system.

Antihistamines prevent the release of histamine from mast cells, thus preventing the development of an allergic reaction.

First-generation antihistamines unfortunately caused patients to be drowsy and slower in their movements. This made it difficult for patients who had to take antiallergic drugs every day to function in their daily lives. In children, these drugs disrupted concentration and learning.

Loratadine does not have a forwarding effect, and does not affect muscarinic receptors like older generation drugs, so it does not cause dry mouth or urine retention.

Since loratadine has no affinity for serotonin receptors, you should not be afraid of an increase in appetite during treatment with this drug.

The substance does not prolong the QT interval or arrhythmia, so it is safe for people suffering from cardiac arrhythmias.

The effect of loratadine can be observed just one hour after oral ingestion. The action of this substance closes around 24 hours, so this drug is recommended to be taken once a day.

Due to the safety profile of loratadine and its effectiveness in combating seasonal allergy symptoms, it is the drug of first choice for the treatment of allergic rhinitis or allergic conjunctivitis.

Doctors emphasize, however, that the systematic use of antiallergic drugs is crucial. Do not stop taking the drug when the patient feels better. Such a decision should be made by an allergist or he alth care physician.

Without the constant presence of drug molecules inthe body cannot count on a satisfactory therapeutic effect.

Indications for the use of loratadine

Loratadine is recommended in the treatment of atopic diseases, i.e. those resulting from disturbed immune processes in the body manifested by hypersensitivity to a factor which seems to be neutral for others, the so-called allergen.

Statistically, most patients receive loratadine due to allergic rhinitis. This state manifests itself as:

  • itching,
  • sneezing,
  • runny nose
  • and vascular nasal obstruction.

This condition can be chronic if the patient does not implement appropriate treatment.

The problem of nasal congestion lasting more than 4 weeks is classified as chronic and as such carries the risk of developing other disorders. Common complications of long-term rhinitis include:

  • sinusitis,
  • serous otitis media,
  • conjunctivitis,
  • loss of smell
  • and taste.

The risk of developing bronchial asthma is also increased in such patients. Additionally, excessive mouth breathing exposes the patient to more frequent viral infections because the air inhaled is not adequately cleaned in the upper respiratory tract.

Another common ailment treated with loratadine is allergic conjunctivitis as a complementary therapy to antiallergic eye drops. The symptoms are:

  • watery eyes,
  • itching
  • and redness.

Loratadine is less effective than AR in the treatment of idiopathic urticaria, but it is nevertheless listed as an indication. Urticaria is symptomatic, often self-limiting, and patients do not attempt to treat it. These are swollen, itchy, erythematous lesions with raised edges. Such a skin reaction is caused by hypersensitivity to an external allergen, e.g. food, medicine.

In addition to the indications listed in the Summary of Product Characteristics, doctors often prescribe loratadine beyond its official guidelines. Loratadine is added to the therapy:

  • acute respiratory infection as a supportive drug,
  • in bronchial asthma,
  • in atopic dermatitis
  • or acute drug urticaria.

Loratadine dosage

Oral suspension form:

  • Adults and children over 12 years of age: 10 mg of loratadine, i.e. 2 measuring spoons included in the package daily
  • Children aged 2 to12 years old weighing over 30 kg: 10 mg of loratadine, i.e. 2 measuring spoons daily
  • Children from 2 to 12 years of age weighing less than 30 kg: 5 mg of loratadine, i.e. 1 measuring spoon once a day

Patients with hepatic impairment may require a reduction in the starting dose as loratadine does not metabolize normally and efficiently.

Tablet form:

  • In children from 2 to 12 years of age, the dosage of the drug in the form of tablets depends on the weight of the child. Depending on whether the child weighs more than 30 kg (10 mg of loratadine once a day) or less than 30 kg (5 mg of loratadine once a day). Please note that for children from 2 to 6 years old, syrup will be more suitable.
  • Adults and children over 12 years of age: 1 tablet, i.e. 10 mg once a day

There is no research or evidence to support the efficacy and safety of loratadine in the treatment of atopic conditions in children under 2 years of age.

Contraindications to the use of loratadine

Loratadine should not be administered if the patient is hypersensitive to this active substance. Loratadine is contraindicated in pregnancy.

Precautions and drug interactions

If the patient suffers from severe liver failure or other diseases that weaken his work, be careful when administering this drug to him.

Treatment with loratadine may affect the results of allergy tests, therefore the drug should be discontinued 48 hours before the test.

You should not drink alcohol while taking loratadine. Although, according to studies, loratadine does not increase the effects of alcohol to a large extent, there is a risk of excessive sedation.

When cimetidine, erythromycin or ketoconazal are administered simultaneously with loratadine, its levels may increase.

You should not take loratadine while breastfeeding.

Side effects of loratadine

Loratadine may affect the ability to drive and drive machinery by causing excessive sedation and a slower reaction time.

The most frequently reported side effects are:

  • headache,
  • fatigue,
  • nervousness (in children)
  • and sleepiness.

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