Loratadine

Loratadine is usually given to children to treat a wide range of symptoms associated with allergic conditions such as hay fever, urticaria (hives), conjunctivitis (red, itchy eye), and common cold. These symptoms may include watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and itching.

Give Loratadine to your child by mouth with or without food in the dose and way prescribed by your child's doctor. It is usually given once a day. This is usually in the morning but may vary based on the timing of the symptoms. It starts to work immediately and your child's symptoms may begin to improve within 30 to 60 minutes of intake. However, if the medicine is used as a preventive measure, you may not see much difference in your child.

If your child vomits within 30 minutes of taking Loratadine, repeat the same dose once your child feels better. However, skip repeating this dose if it is already time for the next dose. Do not abruptly stop the medicine by yourself as sudden withdrawal of the medicine may result in recurrence of symptoms and worsen your child's condition. Therefore, it is advised to continue the treatment for the prescribed duration for maximum benefit.

Your child may experience minor and temporary side effects like nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, dizziness, sleepiness, and headache after the intake of this medicine. Usually, these symptoms subside once your child's body adapts to the medicine. However, in case of prolonged or bothersome events, it would be best to consult your child's doctor without any delay.

Inform your child's doctor if your child is on any medical regime or is allergic to any medicine, product, or food. Do share details with your child's doctor if your child has or had any heart, liver, or kidney problems. Any history regarding bowel obstruction, malnutrition, weight-related issues, and thyroid problems should also be well indicated to the doctor to avoid any complications in the treatment. Knowing the entire medical history will help your child's doctor make dose alterations and plan your child's overall treatment better.

• Treatment of Allergic conditions

Treatment of Allergic conditions
Loratadine provides relief from symptoms such as blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes. This will make it easier for you to go about your daily activities. It can also give relief from allergic reactions after insect bites and symptoms of hives and eczema such as rash, swelling, itching, and irritation. This will improve the appearance of your skin and you may find that your mood and self-confidence improve as well. It rarely has any serious side effects and you may only need to take it on days you have symptoms. This medicine is fast-acting and has a long duration of action (24 hours). Moreover, Loratadine may make you feel less sleepy as compared to other antihistamine medicines. If you are taking it to prevent getting symptoms you should use it regularly to get the most benefit.

Loratadine does not pose serious side effects and is well-tolerated by children. In case the side effects do occur, they’re likely to subside once the body adapts to the medicine. Consult your child’s doctor if these side effects persist or bother your child. The most common side effects include-

Common side effects of Lornet

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dryness in mouth
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Headache

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Loratadine is to be taken empty stomach.

Loratadine belongs to a class of medicines called antihistamines. It blocks the natural chemical substance (histamine) produced in the body during an allergic state and subsides (lowers) your child’s immune system’s response to these conditions. This relieves the symptoms being faced by your child and also helps treat the allergic condition.

• Try giving the medicines at the same time each day, to help you remember.

• Your child may feel sleepy or dizzy after each dose of Loratadine. If this happens, make your child sit or lie down and ask them to be careful while performing tasks that require mental focus.

• Dry mouth is a common side effect of Loratadine. Encourage your child to take sips of water as that may help.

• Loratadine should be avoided in children who are less than 4 years of age as there is a risk of respiratory distress.

• Practice self-care tips:

  1. Abstain your child from coming in contact with allergens.
  2. Maintain a neat and clean ambiance around your child.
  3. Encourage your child to wear a face mask and avoid dusty places.

• Loratadine should not be given to children under 12 years of age.

• Patients with underlying medical conditions like liver, kidney disorders, diabetes, convulsions, etc. should consult their treating doctor before consuming Loratadine.

National Health Service. Loratadine (including Clarityn). [Last reviewed 19 Oct. 2018]. [Accessed 22 Jan. 2021] (online) Available from:

Loratadine [EMC Label]. Devon, UK: Accord-UK Ltd.; 2019. [Accessed 22 Jan. 2021] (online) Available from:

Medicines for Children [Leaflet Information]. Loratadine for allergy symptoms. [Accessed 22 Jan. 2021] (online) Available from: