Loratadine

H1 Antihistamine (2nd Gen)·Allergy & Anaphylaxis

Allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria

PBSANTIHISTAMINEClaratyne, Lorano10 mg tabletS2+1

Dose

10 mg OD

Half-life

8-11 h

Sedation

NONE

Hepatic

DOSE RED.

Rapid Summary

Overview

True non-sedating second-generation antihistamine. Does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Excellent for daytime use.

Maximum Dose

Max 10 mg/day.

Clinical Focus

The safest oral antihistamine for use in pregnancy.

Bottom Line

Loratadine is the least sedating second-generation antihistamine ideal for daytime allergy relief, but is less potent than cetirizine and may be insufficient for severe urticaria.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

Claratyne, Lorano

Oral Routes

Tablets (10 mg), Oral liquid (1 mg/mL).

Prescribing & PBS

Pharmacy Medicine (S2).

Indications & Use

Primary

PBSTGA

Allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria.

Clinical Place

First-line daytime antihistamine for workers/drivers who require zero sedation.

Quick reference

Class & Role

H1 Antihistamine (2nd Gen) — True non-sedating second-generation antihistamine.

Route / Formulation

Tablets (10 mg), Oral liquid (1 mg/mL). (Claratyne, Lorano)

Usual Dose & Max

PO 10 mg OD. Max 10 mg/day.

Key Indication Doses

Allergic Rhinitis / Urticaria: PO 10 mg OD. Hepatic Impairment: Reduce dose to 10 mg on alternate days in severe Hepatic impairment.

Best Uses

Loratadine is the least sedating second-generation antihistamine ideal for daytime allergy relief, but is less potent than cetirizine and may be insufficient for severe urticaria.

Avoid / Cautions

Liver disease requires pharmacist/doctor review and possible dose reduction. Discuss risks and benefits before use in pregnancy or breastfeeding; stop at least 48 hours before skin allergy testing.

Key Risks

Neurological: Headache. True sedation is at placebo levels. Gastrointestinal: Dry mouth, fatigue.

Key Interactions

Metabolised by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, but interaction potential is clinically insignificant at standard doses.

Monitoring

Assess for symptom relief. If onset is too slow, switch to Cetirizine. No specific routine laboratory tests required.

Clinical Pearl

Loratadine takes a few hours to peak. If a patient is having an acute, itchy urticarial flare right now, give Cetirizine instead.

Access

Claratyne, Lorano10 mg tablet

Brand: Claratyne, Lorano
Formulation: Tablets (10 mg), Oral liquid (1 mg/mL)

Loratadine

H1 Antihistamine (2nd Gen)·Allergy & Anaphylaxis

Allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria

PBSANTIHISTAMINEClaratyne, Lorano10 mg tabletS2+1

Dose

10 mg OD

Half-life

8-11 h

Sedation

NONE

Hepatic

DOSE RED.

Rapid Summary

Overview

True non-sedating second-generation antihistamine. Does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Excellent for daytime use.

Maximum Dose

Max 10 mg/day.

Clinical Focus

The safest oral antihistamine for use in pregnancy.

Bottom Line

Loratadine is the least sedating second-generation antihistamine ideal for daytime allergy relief, but is less potent than cetirizine and may be insufficient for severe urticaria.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

Claratyne, Lorano

Oral Routes

Tablets (10 mg), Oral liquid (1 mg/mL).

Prescribing & PBS

Pharmacy Medicine (S2).

Indications & Use

Primary

PBSTGA

Allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria.

Clinical Place

First-line daytime antihistamine for workers/drivers who require zero sedation.

Quick reference

Class & Role

H1 Antihistamine (2nd Gen) — True non-sedating second-generation antihistamine.

Route / Formulation

Tablets (10 mg), Oral liquid (1 mg/mL). (Claratyne, Lorano)

Usual Dose & Max

PO 10 mg OD. Max 10 mg/day.

Key Indication Doses

Allergic Rhinitis / Urticaria: PO 10 mg OD. Hepatic Impairment: Reduce dose to 10 mg on alternate days in severe Hepatic impairment.

Best Uses

Loratadine is the least sedating second-generation antihistamine ideal for daytime allergy relief, but is less potent than cetirizine and may be insufficient for severe urticaria.

Avoid / Cautions

Liver disease requires pharmacist/doctor review and possible dose reduction. Discuss risks and benefits before use in pregnancy or breastfeeding; stop at least 48 hours before skin allergy testing.

Key Risks

Neurological: Headache. True sedation is at placebo levels. Gastrointestinal: Dry mouth, fatigue.

Key Interactions

Metabolised by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, but interaction potential is clinically insignificant at standard doses.

Monitoring

Assess for symptom relief. If onset is too slow, switch to Cetirizine. No specific routine laboratory tests required.

Clinical Pearl

Loratadine takes a few hours to peak. If a patient is having an acute, itchy urticarial flare right now, give Cetirizine instead.

Access

Claratyne, Lorano10 mg tablet

Brand: Claratyne, Lorano
Formulation: Tablets (10 mg), Oral liquid (1 mg/mL)