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Loratadine

 

Loratadine (generic Claritin) Review

brand names: Alavert, Tavist ND, Claritin 24 Hr Allergy, Claritin
generic name: Loratadine

How does it work?

Clarityn allergy tablets contain the active ingredient loratadine, which is a type of medicine called a non-sedating antihistamine. (NB. Loratadine is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Loratadine works by preventing the actions of histamine.

Histamine is a substance produced by the body as part of its defence mechanisms. It is stored in cells called mast cells, in almost all tissues of the body. When the body reacts to a foreign substance (known as an allergen, eg flower pollen), the mast cells stimulated by the allergen release their stores of histamine.

The released histamine then binds to its receptors (H1 receptors), causing a chain reaction that results in allergic symptoms. It causes an increase in blood flow to the area of the allergy, and the release of other chemicals that add to the allergic response.

All this results in the symptoms of an allergic reaction. In hayfever, histamine causes inflammation of the nose, eyes, skin or airways and results in itchy watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion.

Loratadine works by blocking histamine H1 receptors. It does not prevent the actual release of histamine from mast cells, but prevents it binding to its receptors. This in turn prevents the release of other allergy chemicals and increased blood supply to the area, and provides relief from the typical symptoms of hayfever.

Loratadine can also be used to relieve the symptoms of a condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria. This is a chronic itchy rash, similar to nettle rash, but with no apparant cause. Blocking the actions of histamine relieves the itching and reduces the rash associated with this condition.

Loratadine is called a non-sedating antihistamine as it does not enter the brain in significant amounts, and is therefore unlikely to cause drowsiness.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a Loratadine (Claritin) overdose include headache, nausea, irregular heartbeat, drowsiness, and vomiting.

What drug(s) may interact with Loratadine?

•certain antibiotics (clarithromycin, nutritional supplements, including non-prescription medicines, depression and psychotic disturbances
•medicines for pain

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including anxiety, or temazepam
•medicines for hay fever and other allergies such as antihistamines
•medicines for mental problems, diazepam, such as alprazolam, the following medicines can make you feel drowsy:
•alcohol
•barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
•medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, voriconazole)
•medicines for HIV infection or AIDS

In addition, ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin)
•medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Not to be used in

• Rare hereditary problems of glactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption (Clarityn allergy tablets contain lactose)
  
  
• Breastfeeding
  
  
• Pregnancy
  
  
• Children aged two to twelve years who weigh less than 30kg (Loratadine (Claritin) syrup is more appropriate for giving correct dose to this age group - see products linked at end of factsheet)
  
  
• Children under two years of age
  
  

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

General information:

• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Loratadine (Claritin) is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If you have any questions about Loratadine (Claritin) , pharmacist, please talk with your doctor, or other health care provider.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Loratadine (Claritin) . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, pharmacist, check with your doctor, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: September 5, 2007 Database Edition 07.3.1.003 Copyright © 2007 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

What should I watch for while taking Loratadine (Claritin)?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 1 to 2 days.

Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how Loratadine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.