Loratadine Tablets 10mg

What are Loratadine Tablets?

Loratadine Tablets are a non-drowsy antihistamine. They can be taken to provide relief from the symptoms of hay fever or general allergies such as pet allergies or dust.

How to buy Loratadine Tablets online

You can buy Loratadine Tablets over the counter simply add them to your cart and checkout and checkout with collection, free and next day delivery options available.

How Loratadine works

Loratadine belongs the class of drugs known as antihistamines. Histamine is released in response to an allergen such as pollen, pet hair, dust etc. If too much histamine is released then this can cause the symptoms associated with allergic reactions such as itchy and/or watery eyes, running or blocked nose, sneezing and skin rashes.
Loratadine works by blocking the effects of histamine which then reduces these symptoms.

How to take Loratadine tablets

Loratadine tablets dose depends on what you are taking it for, if you are taking it to prevent symptoms you need to take it for as long as you are in contact with the allergen. If you stop taking it while the allergen is still present then you will likely experience symptoms again. The dose is usually ONE tablet daily.

Loratadine tablets and driving

It is unlikely to affect ability to drive and you can drive as long as you do not feel drowsy. It is important you first judge your response to the medication. If you take it and feel drowsy do not drive or operate any machinery.

Loratadine tablets and alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking these tablets may make you feel very sleepy.

Loratadine tablets and pregnancy

Loratadine can be safetly taken while pregnant and there are various studies showing its safety during pregnancy.

Loratadine tablets and breastfeeding

While they should be safe to take during breastfeeding, a tiny amount can still pass through breast milk into your child. It is unlikely to have any affect, but there are other anti-histamines that may be better to take while you are breastfeeding.

Who cannot take Loratadine tablets

They are generally well tolerated and suitable for most people over the age of 1. However it may not be suitable if you:

1. Have previously had an allergic reaction to Loratadine
2. Suffer with glaucoma
3. Have problems urinating (peeing)
4. Have liver problems
5. Have heart problems
6. Suffer with epilepsy or other condition that causes seizures or fits

Please note: If you are due an allergy test, this medication can affect your results, stop taking it a few days before your test and let the clinic know you've been taking Loratadine.

Loratadine interactions

It has minimal interactions the main ones to watch out for are:

1. Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as Tranylcypromine
2. Medicines that can cause the same side effects as Cyclizine as it can make them worse such as a dry mouth, struggle urinating headaches etc.
3. Strong painkillers such as morphine
4. Alcohol – the anti-vomiting effect can lead to a increase likelihood of alcohol poisoning as well as effecting your breathing and ability to wake up from your sleep.

Please note: As this medication is anti-histamine you should avoid taking any other anti-histamines, while taking this medication such as Fexofenadine, Cetirizine etc.
You should also be aware that any herbal or alternative remedies you take may also interact with this medication and cause side effects. If you are taking any herbal or alternative remedies make sure to mention them to your GP, or on the consultation form so we can make sure they are safe to take together.
For a full list of interactions see: Loratadine interactions.

Loratadine side effects

As with any medication you take, there is a possibility of side effects occurring. Most people do not experience any side effect and if they do they will usually be mild. The most common experienced side effects include:

1. Nausea (feeling sick)
2. Drowsiness
3. Fatigue (feeling tired)
4. Headaches
5. Dry mouth
6. Dizziness

Some steps to help with side effects include:

1. Nausea – stick to bland foods until you get used to the mediciation
2. Headaches – make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids
3. Dry mouth – try chewing sugar free chewing gum
4. Dizziness – lie down until the feeling of being dizzy goes away.

Side effects should go away as you get used to the medication, if any of the side effects persist, you can try an alternative anti-histamine or contact your doctor for advice.
If you experience a fast or irregular heartbeat, contact 111 or your GP for further advice.
If you would like to see a full list of side effect please refer to the SPC below or look in the patient information leaflet.

Loratadine Alternatives

There are other alternatives you can try to Loratadine if you find it doesn't work for you:

• Cetirizine tablets
• Fexofenadine tablets
• Chlorphenamine tablets - these are a drowsy anti-histamine

It is important you do not take more than one type of antihistamine in a 24 hour period.
You can also try a nasal spray alongside your Fexofenadine to help alleviate symptoms:

• Beclometasone nasal spray
• Avamys nasal spray

More Loratadine information

If you would like more information on Loratadine you can find the SPC here.

Loratadine FAQs

• Can I take Loratadine with other allergy medication?

  You can use Loratadine with allergy nasal sprays such as beclometasone or avamys, eye drops such as sodium cromoglicate. Do not use Loratadine with another anti-histamine unless you have been advised to by a doctor, always read the label of your medicine to make sure it does not contain an anti-histamine. If you have any concerns about if you can take a medicine alongside Loratadine, contact your pharmacist or doctor.

• Can I take Loratadine while pregnant?

  Loratadine can be safetly taken while pregnant.

• Can I use Loratadine tablets while breastfeeding?

  Yes it is safe to use Loratadine while breastfeeding. If they do not provide enough symptom relief, contact you doctor, health visitor or midwife for advice.

• Can I drive while using Loratadine?

  It is unlikely to affect your ability to drive but it can make you drowsy. Always check to see how Loratadine tablets affect you before you drive or operate machinery. If it does make you drowsy do not drive or operate machinery.

• Can I buy Loratadine over the counter?

  Yes they can be bought over the counter.

• How many Loratadine tablets can I take in one day?

  Do not exceed more than one tablets in a 24 hour period and do not take more than one type of anti-histamine in a 24 hour period unless advised to by a doctor.

• Are there any long term effects of taking Loratadine?

  Loratadine tablets are unlikely to do you any harm if you take them for a long time. It is still only recommended to take them for as long as you need to control your symptoms.

• Is it safe to buy Loratadine from your pharmacy?

  We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
  If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worse harm yourself buying and taking fake tablets. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC.

• Do Loratadine tablets expire?

  Yes, like most medicines it has a shelf life and will become less effective if it is left unused. Always check the expiry date of any medicines you are taking before you take them, the expiry date refers the end of the month. If you find your medication has expired, you can post them to us, bring them to us or take them to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.

• How should I store Loratadine?

  They should be stored in a dry area below 30°C and kept out of direct sunlight. Storing the tablets incorrectly could result in the tablets becoming less effective.

• How long does Loratadine last?

  You will usually see an effect after around 60 minutes and will last for around 24 hours.

• Will Loratadine work?

  It is well known and is widely used to provide allergy symptom relief.

• Can I take Loratadine with alcohol?

  Alcohol should be avoided or limited, as combining the two can make you sleep very deeply, it can also affect your breathing and cause difficulty in waking up.