Loratadine

What is Loratadine?

Exposure to substances such as pollen, animal fur, house dust or an insect bite can cause the body to produce a chemical called histamine. The release of histamine causes allergic symptoms which can include skin rashes, sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and itching. Loratadine stops the effects of histamine and helps to relieve these symptoms.

How should I take Loratadine?

• Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet
• Take Loratadine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you
• Loratadine is taken only once a day. You may take it before or after food
• If you are giving Loratadine to a child, make sure you follow the dosing instructions carefully. The dose you will need to give may depend upon the age and the weight of your child

How can I buy Loratadine online

You can buy Loratadine online without a prescription at Medical Specialists, without having to complete an online consultation. If you prefer to order Loratadine over the phone, just give us a call and we will be pleased to help. We are the UK’s leading supplier of allergy medication, and Loratadine for sale in the UK by a pharmacy is regulated by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

For full patient information, please read or print out the leaflet provided at the bottom of this page about Loratadine.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• headache
• dry mouth
• nosebleed
• sore throat
• mouth sores
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• nervousness
• weakness
• stomach pain
• diarrhoea
• red or itchy eyes
• rash
• hives
• itching
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• wheezing

Before taking Loratadine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you have liver problems
• If you suffer from epilepsy
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine
• If you are intolerant to lactose
• If you are taking cimetidine (used to treat stomach ulcers or indigestion)
• If you are taking erythromycin (an antibiotic)
• If you are taking ketoconazole or fluconazole (used to treat fungal infections such as thrush)
• If you are taking quinidine (used to correct an abnormal heart rhythm)
• If you are taking any antidepressants

Do not take Loratadine if:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• If you are allergic to Loratadine's ingredients