loratadine

Action

Selective histamine₁-receptor antagonist. Blocks peripheral effects of histamine release during allergic reactions, decreasing or preventing allergy symptoms.

Availability

Syrup: 1 mg/ml

Tablets: 10 mg

Tablets (rapidly disintegrating): 10 mg

Indications and dosages

➣ Seasonal allergies; chronic idiopathic urticaria

Adults and children ages 6 and older: 10 mg P.O. daily

Children ages 2 to 5: 5 mg P.O. daily

Dosage adjustment

• Renal or hepatic impairment

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug

Precautions

Use cautiously in:

• renal or hepatic impairment

• elderly patients

• pregnant patients

• children younger than age 2 (safety not established).

Administration

• Give once a day on empty stomach.

• Place rapidly disintegrating tablet on tongue; give with or without water.

• Use rapidly disintegrating tablets within 6 months of opening foil pouch and immediately after opening individual tablet blister.

Adverse reactions

CNS: headache, nervousness, insomnia

EENT: conjunctivitis, earache, epistaxis, pharyngitis

GI: abdominal pain; dry mouth; diarrhea, stomatitis (in children)

Skin: rash, photosensitivity, angioedema

Other: tooth disorder (in children), fever, flulike symptoms, viral infections

Interactions

Drug-food. Any food: increased drug absorption

Patient monitoring

• Watch for adverse reactions, especially in children.

• Assess patient's response to drug.

• Watch for new symptoms or exacerbation of existing symptoms.

Patient teaching

• Advise patient to take exactly as prescribed, once a day on empty stomach.

• Tell patient to report persistent or worsening symptoms.

• Instruct patient to report adverse reactions, such as headache or nervousness.

• Caution patient to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until he knows how drug affects concentration and alertness.

• As appropriate, review all other significant adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the foods mentioned above.