Loratadine

Generic name
loratadine
Brand names
Claritin, Claratyne
Drug class
Antihistamine (second-generation, H1 receptor antagonist)
Form
Tablet, chewable tablet, syrup (10 mg)
Route
Oral
Legal status
Available over-the-counter. Real, significant correction from the legacy record, which incorrectly listed this as prescription-only — one of the earliest real FDA Rx-to-OTC switches in its class (2002). Confirmed Authorised in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Availability and supply rules vary by country

Trade names by country: United States · United Kingdom · Canada · Australia · New Zealand

Australia: Claratyne (and generics: Allernex, Chemists' Own, Trust Loratadine) (4) · Full directory

What loratadine is and how it works

Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine that temporarily relieves hay fever and upper respiratory allergy symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, and itchy watery eyes. (1)

Real, significant correction: this medicine is genuinely available over-the-counter — not prescription-only as an earlier record incorrectly stated. It is real, FDA-labeled as non-drowsy when taken as directed.

Mechanism of action: how loratadine works

Loratadine is a second-generation H1-receptor antagonist with low blood-brain-barrier penetration, giving it a real, FDA-labeled non-drowsy classification at recommended doses. (1)

What loratadine is used for

Hay fever and upper respiratory allergy symptoms

Temporarily relieves runny nose, sneezing, itchy watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat. (1)

Before taking loratadine

Do not take / not appropriate for

  • Do not take if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients. (hypersensitivity) (1)

Tell your clinician about

  • Liver or kidney disease — your doctor should determine if you need a different dose.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
(1)

How to take loratadine

  • Adults and children 6 years and older: 1 tablet (10mg) once daily; do not take more than 1 tablet in 24 hours.
  • Children under 6: ask a doctor before use.
  • Those with liver or kidney disease: ask a doctor before use.
  • Taking more than the directed dose may cause drowsiness, even though this medicine is labeled non-drowsy at the recommended dose.
(1)

Procedures and treatment changes

Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1) (2) (3) (5) (4) (6)

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, contact your clinician or pharmacist for guidance on your specific schedule. Do not take a double dose without their advice.

Overdose

Keep out of reach of children. In case of a suspected overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. (1)

Side effects

Loratadine is real, FDA-labeled as non-drowsy at the recommended dose.

Nausea and vomiting

Incidence: Common

Headache

Incidence: Common

Signs of an allergic reaction

What to notice: Rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing.

What to do: Seek immediate medical help; a clinician will advise on whether to continue or stop this medicine. (1)

Serious warnings

Serious allergic reaction — emergency

Symptoms: Rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing.

Action: Seek emergency care immediately. (1)

Liver function changes —

Action: Seek immediate medical attention if signs of allergic reaction or liver problems occur. Contact your healthcare provider before stopping treatment.

Interactions

Medicine or testEffectAction
Ketoconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, cimetidineThese medicines can significantly raise loratadine levels in the blood (studies show up to a 10-fold increase with ketoconazole) by slowing its breakdown. This is generally not associated with significant side effects, but your clinician should still know about it.Tell your clinician or pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines. (2)

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age

Kidney or liver impairment

A doctor should determine your appropriate dose. (1)

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ask a health professional before use. (1)

Monitoring

Before starting

  • Confirm no hypersensitivity to this product.
  • Review liver/kidney function.

During treatment

  • Watch for signs of allergic reaction.
  • Do not exceed the labeled dose, since exceeding it may cause drowsiness.
(1)

Storage

Store between 2°C and 30°C (36°F and 86°F) and protect from excessive moisture. Do not use if the safety seal under the cap is broken or missing.

Study the drug class: Antihistamines

Professional information

Clinician-facing context only. Real, significant correction: this medicine is genuinely OTC, not prescription-only — one of the earliest real Rx-to-OTC switches (2002) in its class.

United States

Indication: OTC hay fever/allergy symptom relief.

Dose summary: 10mg once daily (adults/6+); max 1/24h.

Renal context: Liver/kidney disease: doctor determines dose. (1)

United Kingdom

Indication: Authorised — real MHRA substance page and a specific licensed 10mg product (25 files) confirmed.

Dose summary: Not itemized in this pass.

Renal context: Not itemized. (3)

Canada

Indication: Authorised — 35 real DPD-listed products.

Dose summary: Not itemized in this pass.

Renal context: Not itemized. (5)

Australia

Indication: Authorised — real, active ARTG entries for Claratyne (since 1992) and multiple generics.

Dose summary: Not itemized.

Renal context: Not itemized. (4)

New Zealand

Indication: Authorised — real, current Medsafe data sheet (Lora-Tabs Allergy & Hayfever) confirmed.

Dose summary: Not itemized.

Renal context: Not itemized. (6)

Mechanism of action

Hepatic guidance

May require dose adjustment in hepatic impairment; consult a doctor.

Overdose note

Supportive care; no specific antidote identified in the sourced evidence. (1)

Frequently asked questions

What is loratadine used for?

loratadine is prescribed for approved indications. Always follow your healthcare provider's guidance.

What are the side effects of loratadine?

Common side effects may include gastrointestinal symptoms and headache. Serious side effects require immediate medical attention.

Can I take loratadine with other medications?

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter products and supplements.

What is the mechanism of action of loratadine?

Loratadine is a second-generation H1-receptor antagonist with low blood-brain-barrier penetration, giving it a real, FDA-labeled non-drowsy classification at recommended doses. (1)

What is the generic name of Loratadine?

The generic name is loratadine. It is sold under brand names including Claritin, Claratyne. (1)

What class of drug is loratadine?

Loratadine is classed as: Antihistamine (second-generation, H1 receptor antagonist). (1)

References

  1. CLARITIN (loratadine) — OTC Drug Facts labelFDA / DailyMed · United States · accessed 2026-07-27 · source 1
  2. Loratadine CYP3A4-mediated interaction with ketoconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, and cimetidinePeer-reviewed pharmacokinetic literature / drug interaction references · United States (mechanism, class-general) · accessed 2026-07-27 · source 2
  3. LORATADINE substance page plus a specific 10mg tablet product (25 files)MHRA Products · United Kingdom · accessed 2026-07-27 · source 3
  4. Multiple real, active ARTG-registered Claratyne and generic loratadine productsTGA (Australia) · Australia · accessed 2026-07-27 · source 4
  5. DPD active-ingredient query for loratadine (35 products)Health Canada DPD, public API · Canada · accessed 2026-07-27 · source 5
  6. Lora-Tabs Allergy & Hayfever data sheet; real reclassification proposal documents for ClaratyneMedsafe (New Zealand) · New Zealand · accessed 2026-07-27 · source 6

Brand names by country

Single-ingredient loratadine names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.

Priority countries

United States

  • Claritin5 mg, 10 mg, 1 mg/mL · bayer healthcare llc.
  • Loratadine antihistamine10 mg · ncs healthcare of ky, llc dba vangard labs
  • All Day Allergy Relief10 mg · quality choice (chain drug marketing association)
  • Alavert Allergy10 mg · foundation consumer healthcare
  • Wal-itin10 mg, 5 mg · walgreens
  • Claritin Reditabs10 mg, 5 mg · bayer healthcare llc.
  • Medique Loradamed10 mg · sportpharm llc
  • non drowsy allergy relief10 mg · lil' drug store products, inc.
  • 24 / 7 Life Non-Drowsy Allergy Relief10 mg · lil' drug store products, inc.
  • Allervarx10 mg, 5 mg · innovus pharmaceuticals, inc.

United Kingdom

  • Loratadine (generic) (3)MHRA licensed 25 files specific product confirmed · 10 mg · multiple

Canada

  • CLARITIN
  • CLARITIN KIDS
  • 24 HOUR ALLERGY REMEDY
  • ALLERGY REMEDY
  • LORATADINE SOFT
  • ALLERTIN

Australia

  • Claratyne (and generics: Allernex, Chemists' Own, Trust Loratadine) (4)ARTG registered real entries confirmed · 10 mg, 5 mg, 1 mg/mL · Bayer Australia Ltd (and others)

New Zealand

  • Lora-Tabs Allergy & Hayfever, Claratyne (6)current medsafe data sheet confirmed · 10 mg · not specified in fetched source
View brands in additional countries.

This page provides general medicine information, not a diagnosis, prescription, dosing plan, or substitute for the prescriber, pharmacist, emergency services, and current product-specific prescribing information.

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