Loratadine is one of the best-known and most effective medications for treating allergy symptoms. However, there are other uses that we do not know about. Like many antihistamines, on many occasions, we take it lightly or self-medicate, and this is never good, even if we have taken the same Medication before as we have considered and nothing has happened. In addition, like all medications, it has side effects that you should know and contraindications that you must take into account if your situation is one of those that we will tell you about. In this FastlyHealarticle, we explain what Loratadine is for and how it is taken correctly.
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What is Loratadine for
As we have said, Loratadine is an antihistamine, a drug that fights allergy symptoms such as itching, runny nose, sneezing, or watery eyes.
It is widespread to use of Loratadine for the allergy known as hay fever, which is what we commonly know as a pollen allergy. However, it also treats other types of allergies such as spring asthenia, allergies to insects, plants, or anything that causes any of the symptoms above.
However, Loratadine does not prevent the appearance of hives, nor can it treat anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction), although it does improve and alleviate your symptoms. However, when the allergy is severe, epinephrine by injection is usually prescribed, and in this case, you should never replace it with Loratadine. You should also not take Loratadine if your doctor has recommended another antihistamine.
Although it is used to treat common allergic reactions and relieve their symptoms, one use that not many people know of for Loratadine is that it can also reduce the itching and swelling of a bed bug or flea bite allergy. Although in these cases, it is better to use another, more specific drug.
The recommended dosage of Loratadine and how to take it
Loratadine can come in pills or syrup, and depending on the dose, it will be one or the other. If the format is in drugs, the recommended dose is one pill a day, and you can take it with or without food. In the case of syrup, the appropriate amount will be one tablespoon a day, in the same way taking it with or alone.
It is not good to take more Loratadine than recommended, as it can make you drowsy. If you have any of the following symptoms, what you are suffering from is likely anaphylaxis. In this case, before taking Loratadine, it is best to see an emergency doctor. These symptoms are:
- Difficulty speaking, breathing or swallowing.
- Swelling in the mouth or tongue
- Dizziness
Loratadine is one of those medications that we usually have in our medicine drawer. Therefore, make sure that it is not expired. If you take it yourself, always read the leaflet and follow the instructions.
If you take too much Loratadine, you will likely feel severe drowsiness, and it is essential to go to the emergency room. Other symptoms of Loratadine overdose may include:
- Fast heartbeat or palpitations.
- Headache.
- Unusual body movements or spasms.
Side effects
Like the rest of the medicines, Loratadine has side effects that must be considered. Side effects are more dangerous when you are younger, so they will be more severe in children. As we have already said, it is not a medicine for children; however, sometimes, the pediatrician may recommend it. If the child taking it suffers any of the effects that we will see below, go immediately to a doctor.
The adverse effects that Loratadine can cause depending on age are:
- Diarrhea, pharyngitis, flu-like symptoms, ear infections, rash, fatigue, or nosebleeds may occur in children 2 to 5 years.
- Children 6 to 12 years old may suffer from fatigue, wheezing, abdominal pain, nervousness or hyperkinesia (exaggerated motor activity), conjunctivitis, or respiratory tract infections.
- In children older than 12 years and adults, the side effects are headache, drowsiness, fatigue, or dry mouth.
The most common side effect of Loratadine is drowsiness. However, not everyone experiences it. The products that we have mentioned for children from 2 to 12 years of age are serious, so if they appear, you should see a doctor urgently. However, in adults, the side effects are less severe and more common. However, in the event of any symptoms that last too long, it is better to see a doctor.
Contraindications of Loratadine
According to doctors, you should not take Loratadine if :
- You have an allergy to any of its components.
- Suppose you have suffered from alcoholism or drug addiction before. In this case, could you consult your doctor before taking it? And never take it with alcohol.
- If you take other medications, consult your doctor.
- Loratadine will not cure cold or flu symptoms; it is an allergy symptom medication.
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it could create an allergic reaction in the baby.
- And, as we have seen, it is not advisable in children under two years of age.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any kind of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to What is Loratadine for and how is it taken, we recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.