Loratadine

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Also indexed as:

Claritin

Combination List

Combination drug:

• Claritin-D

Loratadine is a selective antihistamine used to relieve allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergy) symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. It is also used to treat people with idiopathic urticaria. Loratadine is available alone and in a combination product.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Loratadine

Depletion or interference	None known
Adverse interaction	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Other Interactions

Food

Food slows the absorption of loratadine and also increases the total amount of the drug absorbed.¹ It is recommended that loratadine be taken on an empty stomach.²

Alcohol

Selective antihistamines, including loratadine, may cause drowsiness or dizziness, although it is less likely than with nonselective antihistamines.³ Alcohol can intensify drowsiness and dizziness, increasing the risk of accidental injury. People taking loratadine should use alcohol only with caution.

References

1. Threlkeld DS, ed. Respiratory Drugs, Antihistamines. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1998, 194b.
2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Respiratory Drugs, Antihistamines. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1998, 194b.
3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Respiratory Drugs, Antihistamines. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1998, 194b.

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Last Review: 01-21-2009

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