Listed in the UK electronic Medicines Compendium (emc) as a licensed antihistamine medicine.
Regulated by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as a General Sales List (GSL) or Pharmacy Only antihistamine medicine.
Listed in the UK electronic Medicines Compendium (emc) as a licensed antihistamine medicine.
Regulated by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as a General Sales List (GSL) or Pharmacy Only antihistamine medicine.
Second-generation antihistamine tablet
Description
Loratadine 10 mg Tablets are a second-generation antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives). By blocking peripheral histamine H1-receptors, loratadine reduces allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny or itchy nose, watery or itchy eyes, and skin itching or hives, while being less sedating than older first-generation antihistamines. It is available over the counter (OTC) in many countries including the UK.
Bnefits
Relieves common allergy symptoms — sneezing, runny or itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes, itching of the throat or skin.
Treats chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) and associated itching or skin reactions.
Low risk of sedation compared with first-generation antihistamines because it has limited penetration across the blood-brain barrier.
Once-daily dosing offers convenience for long-term allergy management.
Suitable for both adults and children (age/weight criteria permitting) for allergy relief.
Indications
Allergic rhinitis (seasonal or perennial) — relief of sneezing, runny or itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy throat.
Chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) — relief of itching and skin rash.
Other histamine-mediated allergic conditions requiring H1 antagonism, as directed by a healthcare provider.
Composition
Active substance: Loratadine 10 mg per tablet.
Excipients (may vary by manufacturer): lactose monohydrate (noted as an excipient with known effect in SmPC), microcrystalline cellulose, starch, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate.
Formulation
Oral film-coated tablet.
White or off-white oval / biconvex tablet, scored for ease of swallowing (may be halved if score present, depending on manufacturer).
Each tablet contains 10 mg loratadine, intended for once-daily use in adults and children over 30 kg body weight (≥ 6 years of age).
Packaging
Pack of 30 tablets (common retail pack size, as indicated in product context).
Blister pack or carton depending on supplier — retains product information, batch number and expiry date.
Usage
Take one 10 mg tablet by mouth once daily, with or without food. Swallow with water; do not crush or chew.
For children aged 6 years or older and weighing more than 30 kg: one 10 mg tablet once daily.
If you have severe liver impairment, dose may be reduced (for example, every other day) — consult a physician.
If tablet has a break-line and is to be halved (per manufacturer instructions), swallow the half-tablet with water.
Do not exceed one tablet (10 mg) per 24-hour period.
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity or allergy to loratadine or any excipient (e.g., lactose monohydrate).
Children under 2 years of age — safety and efficacy not established.
Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption (due to lactose content).
Common in children: headache, nervousness, tiredness.
Less common / rare: increased appetite, insomnia, palpitations or rapid heartbeat, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, rash, allergic reactions including possible angioedema or anaphylaxis in very rare cases.
Storage Conditions
Store below 25–30 °C in a dry place away from moisture.
Keep the tablets in their original packaging until use to protect from humidity and light.
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.
Duration
As required \u2014 use once daily during periods of allergic symptoms; for chronic conditions such as persistent allergic rhinitis or urticaria, may be used regularly as advised by a healthcare provider.
Onset
Symptom relief typically begins within 1\u20133 hours after oral administration; effect may last up to 24 hours.
