loratadine

Loratadine is a long-acting, non-sedatingantihistaminethat is used for the treatment ofallergies. Histamine is a chemical that causes many of the signs and symptoms of anallergy. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells (mast cells) and attaches to other cells that have receptors for histamine on their surfaces. Histamine stimulates the cells to release chemicals that produce effects that we associate withallergy, including welts,itching, and tissue swelling. Loratadine blocks one type of histamine receptor (the H1 receptor) and thus prevents activation of cells with H1 receptors by histamine. Unlike someantihistamines, loratadine does not enter the brain from the blood and, therefore, does not cause drowsiness when taken at recommended doses. The FDA approved loratadine in April 1993.

他定, Claritin RediTabs, Alavert, ClaritinHivesRelief, Children's Claritin, and others

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

No

• Loratadine is used for the relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonalhay fever(allergic rhinitis).
• It is also used to treat patients with chronic welts (urticaria) andallergicskinrash.

The most common adverse events with loratadine are:

• headache,
• drowsiness,
• fatigueand
• dry mouth.

Nervousness and difficulty sleeping have also been reported.

The usual dose of loratadine is 10 mg daily for adults and children older than six years of age. The dose for children 2 to 6 years of age is 5 mg daily.

:红霉素,cimetidine(Tagamet), andketoconazole(Nizoral) increase the blood concentration of loratadine by inhibiting the elimination of loratadine. This may result in increased adverse events from loratadine.

St. John's wort,carbamazepine(Tegretol, Tegretol XR ,Equetro,Carbatrol,Epitol,Teril), and rifampin reduce blood levels of loratadine.

Loratadine is secreted inbreast milkat levels similar to blood levels.Nursingmothers should decide whether to stopbreastfeedingor discontinue loratadine.

What preparations of loratadine are available?

• Tablets: 10 mg.
• Tablets, disintegrating: 5 and 10 mg.
• Tablets, chewable: 5 mg.
• Syrup: 5 mg/5 ml.

How should I keep loratadine stored?

Tablets should be stored between 2 C and 30 C (36 F and 86 F), and syrup should be stored between 2 C and 25 C (36 and 77 F).