Loratadine Side Effects



Loratadine is one of the most common OTC medications used to treat allergies. Its use is common for all types of allergies, particularly those induced by household chemicals or food allergies. However, its use for serious, symptomatic allergic reactions like rhinitis is limited. Loratadine is essentially an antihistamine drug. It is widely regarded as one of the safest, anti-allergic medications, primarily due to its non-sedative formulation. Apart from its use as a pure anti-allergen medication, Loratadine is also combined with many other medications to form more potent formulations like, Clarinase or Claritin-D wherein Loratadine is used as a combination drug with other drugs like pseudoephedrine that are commonly prescribed for common cold cases wherein decongestion is the major issue.



In recent times, due to its non-sedative properties, Loratadine is being widely prescribed for seasonal allergies like sneezing or itching but its effectivity in curing such conditions is still argued. Most people believe that Loratadine is better equipped to control the symptoms rather than raise the immunity level of the body. Hence, its regular intake for a few days is generally prescribed to control the symptoms in a more comprehensive manner. One of the most common brand names under which this drug is retailed is Claritin.

Understanding Loratadine Functionality

Like most other antihistamines, Loratadine becomes effective by blocking a particular chemical that is released by the body, called histamine. This chemical is produced when the body is overwhelmed by the number of allergens it is trying to resist. This is why Loratadine is commonly provided as an anti-allergic medication in commercial establishments and artificial environments wherein the chances of people exhibiting symptoms of allergies when contacting external stimulants like pollen or dust are remarkably higher. This is also why a high dosage of Loratadine has been found to control a sudden attack of hives. Loratadine cannot ensure that the allergic reaction will not repeat itself, but it is very effective in controlling the symptoms-it is essentially a symptomatic medication.

What are the common loratadine side-effects?

Some not-so-harmful, adverse reactions might occur that can be controlled by adjusting the dosage or stopping the intake of this drug for a small period, before starting it in lower dosages. Some of these common symptoms include dizziness and drowsiness that may or may not be accompanied by small bouts of recurring headaches. Some people might have a dry mouth throughout the day while those taking the combination form of the drug might show symptoms like unexplained fatigue and a slightly nervous stomach and a sustained feeling of nausea. Other common side-effects include inability to sleep when taking the allergy medication for the very first time. However, most of these symptoms don't need medical attention since they are seldom harmful and don't pose an immediate or serious threat to the individual.