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Loratadine

Sounds like 'lor-at-ah-deen'

Key points about loratidine

Loratadine is an antihistamine used to treat and prevent allergies such as hay fever.
Loratidine is also called Lorafix®, Lora-tabs®, Loraclear®, Claratyne®, Claratyne RediTabs®, Lorfast®, LoraPaed® or Haylor®.
Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.

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Loratadine is used to treat and prevent allergies such as hay fever (sneezing, runny or itchy nose, itchy eyes) and skin allergies (itching, redness, lumps on your skin called hives). It works by blocking a chemical in your body called histamine, which is released during an allergic reaction.

Loratadine belongs to a group of medicines known as antihistamines. Loratadine is a non-sedating antihistamine, which means that it's less likely to cause drowsiness or make you feel sleepy.

Read more about antihistamines.

Loratadine is available to buy over the counter in pharmacies or it can be written on a prescription by a prescriber.

Supply update May 2025: Loratadine (Lorafix®) is unavailable

The Lorafix® brand of loratadine is expected to be unavailable for 2 – 3 months due to a problem with the quality of the last batch of tablets made. You may need to talk to your healthcare provider about an alternative antihistamine. Read more about: Loratadine (Lorafix®) is unavailable(external link).

In Aotearoa New Zealand, loratadine is available as capsules (10 mg), tablets (10 mg), chewable (5 mg) and disintegrating tablets (10 mg) or as a liquid (1 mg in 1 mL).

The usual dose of loratadine for adults and children over 12 years is 1 tablet (10 mg) once a day.
The dose for children under 12 years depends on their age and weight.
Your healthcare provider or pharmacist will advise you on the correct dose for your child.
You can just take loratadine on the days you need it. It can be restarted if the symptoms come back.
Some people take loratadine for a few weeks when their allergies are a problem, such as in spring. Others take it long term to help control allergy symptoms.

Timing: Take loratadine once a day at the same time each day, either in the morning OR in the evening.
Food: You can take loratadine with or without food.
Capsules or tablets: Swallow the capsule or tablet whole, with a glass of water. The tablet can be halved if you find it difficult swallowing a whole tablet but you can also try the liquid or disintegrating tablets below.
Children's Claratyne® are tablets that may be chewed.
Claratyne RediTabs® can be taken without water as they dissolve or melt in your mouth.
Liquid loratadine: Shake the bottle well and use an oral syringe or measuring spoon to measure each dose.
Missed dose: It isn't harmful if you miss your loratadine dose. If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. But if it's less than 12 hours for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Don't take double the dose.

Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you have epilepsy?
Do you have problems with your liver?
Are you taking or using any other medicines? This includes any medicines available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

If so, it’s important that you tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist before you start loratadine.

Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions, or it can only be used with extra care.

Here are some things to know when you're taking loratadine. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

Alcohol: Limit drinking alcohol while you are taking loratadine. It may increase your chance of side effects such as feeling sleepy.
Driving: Some people might feel sleepy when taking loratadine. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you.
Other medicines: Loratadine may interact with some medicines, so check with your pharmacist before starting loratadine and before starting any new medicines. If taken with other antihistamines (such as some cough and cold medicines) it may make you even more sleepy.

Like all medicines, loratadine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Mild headache	This is common. Drink plenty of water. Talk to your healthcare provider about suitable pain relief.
Feeling tired or sleepy	This is not common. Try taking loratadine at night. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you. Limit drinking alcohol – it makes these symptoms worse.
Changes in eyesight Dry mouth Problems passing urine (peeing) Constipation (hard poos)	These are rare but serious. Tell your healthcare provider.