Allergies that cause sneezing, tearing and cold -like ailments are treated with different pills, including loratadine, which has shown high efficacy.
Allergy symptoms can put life on hold and ruin plans on any given day. Those people who have experienced this frequently understand better than anyone the importance of allergy medications.
Regardless of whether or not you have suffered from allergies, everyone is interested in learning more about the characteristics of loratadine, its therapeutic benefits, contraindications and is loratadine antihistamine.
What is Loratadine?
- Formula : C 22 H 23 ClN 2 O 2
- Molar mass : 382.88 g/mol
- CAS number : 79794-75-5
- Boiling point : 531.3 °C
- Trade name : Civeran, Clarityne
- Half life : 8 hours. Active metabolite desloratadine 27 hours
- Metabolism : Hepatic (via CYP2D6- and 3A4)
Loratadine is a drug that has the ability to counteract the effects of histamine, a substance released by some of the body’s cells in response to allergens and that is responsible for the different characteristic symptoms of allergic processes.
The administration of loratadine, which belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines, has been shown to be able to reduce nasal congestion, eye redness and itchy skin, as well as having a certain dilating effect on the bronchi.
A great advantage is that this product is very popular and is easily found in pharmaceutical establishments.
When to use Loratadine?
According to the United States National Library of Medicine, loratadine is used to treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, which is caused by a response to indoor or outdoor allergens and has similar characteristics. to a cold.
Among the symptoms that loratadine combats are: sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes, nose and throat. And while it doesn’t prevent hives, it is effective in treating the itching and redness caused by this allergic skin reaction.
Seen from another angle, loratadine greatly relieves the pain caused by allergic conjunctivitis and eliminates its symptoms.
While, in presentations such as Clarityne Plus, which contains an association of two active ingredients (loratadine and pseudoephedrine sulfate), it can be useful to calm the discomfort of the common cold, since loratadine is an antihistamine and pseudoephedrine sulfate It is a nasal decongestant.
How should Loratadine be used?
This medication is packaged as a syrup, especially for pediatric patients, and for adults it is offered as tablets, as well as fast-disintegrating tablets to take by mouth.
The duration of treatment with loratadine must be limited to the time in which the symptoms of allergy remain, always strictly adhering to medical recommendations.
Recommendations to consider when using loratadine include:
- Generally, it should be taken once a day with or without food.
- Carefully follow the directions on the medicine label.
- Do not use more or less than the indicated dose.
- If rapidly disintegrating tablets are used, follow label instructions to remove tablets from the container without breaking them. When placed on the tongue they will dissolve quickly and can be swallowed with or without water.
- A doctor should be consulted if other medications, such as vitamins, supplements, or herbal products, are being taken to avoid cross-reactions with other antihistamines.
What are the suggested doses?
The Faculty of Medicine of the National Autonomous University of Madrid, indicates that in adults or over 30 kg of weight, the indication is one 10 mg tablet per day or one 10 ml spoonful per day.
For its part, the Spanish Association of Pediatrics recommends that children over 2 years of age and up to 12 years of age, with a weight equal to or less than 30 kg, consume 5 ml of syrup once a day and 10 mg tablets are contraindicated.
In another vein, both institutions stress the importance of adjusting the dose to smaller or more spaced amounts in patients with liver failure or kidney failure. In any case, it is necessary to resort to the accurate advice of a health specialist.
How long does loratadine take to work?
This medication is completely absorbed after being administered orally. Loratadine is estimated to have an antihistamine effect that begins within 1 to 3 hours after ingestion and its maximum effect is between 8 to 12 hours, lasting up to 24 hours.
Advantages and disadvantages of Loratadine
Loratadine is a powerful ally when it comes to combating the symptoms of allergic reactions, as it undoubtedly has a powerful antihistamine effect.
However, although its benefits must be assessed, it should be used with caution and under medical prescription to prevent adverse health effects.
Advantages of Loratadine
- Helps reduce itching and redness caused by hives.
- It is effective in treating allergic rhinitis.
- It is effective in temporarily relieving the symptoms of hay fever.
- It has shown high effectiveness in blocking histamine.
- When combined with the nasal decongestant pseudoephedrine, it can be helpful in mitigating the discomfort of the common cold.
- It can be found in different commercial presentations.
Disadvantages of Loratadine
- May cause drowsiness and disorientation, especially in children and the elderly.
- In some cases, it generates gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea and dry mouth.
- Sometimes it is responsible for the increased viscosity of bronchial secretions.
Loratadine Contraindications
Despite the fact that its benefits are considerable, the contraindications of treatment with Loratadine must be seriously considered, which are the following:
- Avoid in cases of hypersensitivity to loratadine.
- They cannot be taken by children under two years of age.
- It should not be taken if you have liver failure.
- You have to refrain from it during pregnancy and lactation.
- Nor can it be consumed if you have acute asthma.
- Contraindicated if you suffer from prostatic hypertrophy.
- It is not suitable for those with urinary retention.
- It is not recommended for those with glaucoma.
- Do not use if you have bruised or blistered welts.
What are the side effects of Loratadine?
Loratadine can cause side effects, including:
- Soft spot
- Nosebleed
- Difficulty to sleep
- Acute stomach pain
- Eye redness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Throat pain
- Thrush in the mouth
On the other hand, some side effects can be serious and warrant immediate medical attention, as they are likely to indicate a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, such as symptoms such as:
- Skin rash.
- Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs.
- Hoarseness.
- Difficulty speaking, breathing, or swallowing.
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness.
Loratadine has a faithful medicine to combat allergies, which well used can bring a lot of well-being to the body.
Is loratadine antihistamine?
Loratadine is an antihistamine medicine. Loratadine is used to treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever.
