Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine, available over the counter in the UK as tablets and syrup, used for hay fever, other allergic rhinitis and hives.
Along with cetirizine, it is one of the two cheapest widely available options, and it is often the one recommended when drowsiness is the main concern and fexofenadine is not to hand.
Dose
- Adults and children 12 and over: 10mg once daily
- Children 2 to 12: dose depends on weight — commonly 5mg for children under 30kg and 10mg above, but follow the product label
Once daily is the whole regimen. The syrup makes it practical for young children.
How It Compares
Against cetirizine
Cetirizine works faster and is, for most people, slightly more potent. Loratadine is less likely to cause drowsiness. If cetirizine has made you feel dull or flat, loratadine is the obvious thing to try next, and it costs about the same.
Against fexofenadine
Fexofenadine is the least sedating of all and is often the more effective of the two for severe symptoms. Loratadine is cheaper and available everywhere. Fexofenadine 120mg is available over the counter; the 180mg strength requires a prescription.
Onset and Duration
Loratadine takes around one to three hours to reach useful effect, with a duration comfortably covering 24 hours. It is a maintenance antihistamine rather than a rescue one — take it daily through the season rather than reaching for it when symptoms spike.
Side Effects
Generally very well tolerated. Headache is the most commonly reported, along with occasional fatigue or dry mouth. Drowsiness is uncommon at the standard dose, though not impossible — the "non-drowsy" label describes a population, not a guarantee for every individual.
Taking more than the recommended dose increases the chance of sedation without improving symptom control. Doubling up is not a strategy.
Interactions
Loratadine is metabolised in the liver, and a few medicines can raise its levels. If you take multiple regular medicines, particularly certain antifungals or antibiotics, a quick check with a pharmacist is worthwhile — the check takes a minute and is free.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Loratadine is one of the antihistamines most commonly considered acceptable in pregnancy, but this is a conversation to have with a midwife, GP or pharmacist rather than a decision to make from an article. Ask before buying.
Cost
Cheap, and cheapest as own-brand. Clarityn and other branded loratadine products contain the identical active ingredient at the identical dose. Buying a large own-brand pack at the start of the season is the single most effective saving available in this category.
When to Move Beyond It
If loratadine alone is not controlling your symptoms, the productive next step is usually not a different antihistamine but an additional treatment — a steroid nasal spray for congestion, or eye drops for persistent eye symptoms. Antihistamine tablets are relatively weak against nasal blockage, which is often the symptom people find most disruptive.