What are the side effects of loratadine?
- rash
- hives
- itching
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- wheezing
Is loratadine the same as Claritin D?
There is no big difference between those two medications anyway. Claritin major component is loratadine and Clarinex major component is desloratadine which is the active form of loratadine. It means that those two medications are basically the same and there is possibility that doctor told her that she can use either one of them.
Is loratadine a sleep medication?
Yes, it can. Loratadine, marketed under the names Claritin and Alavert, is used to treat allergies. It is a common medication, and one of its side effects is insomnia. Does loratadine cause insomnia for all users?
Is loratadine an opioid?
other opioids; ceiling to analgesic effect5 Propoxyphene (e.g., Darvon, etc) (B) No better than acetaminophen, but has narcotic AE5 ... loratadine (Claritin), desloratadine (Clarinex), levocetirizine (Xyzal), low-dose diphenhydramine19,26 Antihypertensives Alpha-blockers
Is Claritin an anticholinergic?
Second- and third-generation antihistamines, including brands such as Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra, are not anticholinergics. But talk to your doctor before switching to a new drug.
What antihistamines are anticholinergic?
Antihistamines with anticholinergic properties include the following:Chlorpheniramine.Cyproheptadine.Doxylamine.Hydroxyzine.Dimenhydrinate.Diphenhydramine.Meclizine.Promethazine.
Can loratadine cause dementia?
Long-term use of Benadryl, an over-the-counter allergy medication, has been linked to an increased dementia risk. In lieu of Benadryl, possible alternatives include cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra) and loratadine (Claritin).
Which antihistamine has the least anticholinergic effect?
“Loratadine is the best example, but cetirizine has less significant anticholinergic effects, also.” For older adults seeking sedating antihistamines, Dr. Risacher recommended that pharmacists mention the risks and tell patients to use the medication sparingly and at the lowest effective dose.
What are the side effects of loratadine?
Loratadine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:headache.dry mouth.nosebleed.sore throat.mouth sores.difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.nervousness.weakness.More items...•
What is the safest antihistamine for seniors?
Loratadine, cetrizine, and fexofenadine all have excellent safety records. Their cardiovascular safety has been demonstrated in drug-interaction studies, elevated-dose studies, and clinical trials. These three antihistamines have also been shown safe in special populations, including pediatric and elderly patients.
What are the 9 Common drugs Linked to Alzheimer's?
Drugs That May Cause Memory LossAntianxiety drugs.Cholesterol drugs.Antiseizure drugs.Antidepressant drugs.Narcotic painkillers.Parkinson's drugs.Hypertension drugs.Sleeping aids.More items...•
What is the safest allergy medicine?
Claritin and Zyrtec are effective and safe for most people with minor allergies. However, as with all medications, there may be some side effects. Loratadine—present in Claritin—may not be safe for people with severe liver conditions. The liver has to break down loratadine.
Which antihistamine is linked to dementia?
Common anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl linked to increased dementia risk. A report published in JAMA Internal Medicine several years ago highlighted a link between long-term use of anticholinergic medications like Benadryl and dementia.
Can I take loratadine long term?
Loratadine is unlikely to do you any harm if you take it for a long time. However, it's best to take it only for as long as you need to. It's best not to drink alcohol while you're taking loratadine, as it can make you feel sleepy.
Do all antihistamines cause dementia?
But there was no association between dementia and antihistamine medications. A 2018 study had similar findings. While certain types of anticholinergic medications were linked to dementia, antihistamines were not.
How do you prevent anticholinergic side effects?
The first step for a physician is to decrease the dose of the antipsychotic. Dose reduction may sometimes ameliorate the anticholinergic effects. Changing to an antipsychotic with a lesser anticholinergic profile can also prevent the continuation of symptoms.
What are anticholinergic drugs?
Drugs with anticholinergic properties have been used in medicine for decades to treat conditions such as: diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders. asthma. dizziness and motion sickness. Parkinson’s disease symptoms such as involuntary movements. overactive bladder and urinary incontinence.
What happens to acetylcholine as you age?
As you age, especially after the age of 65, you have fewer neurons (brain cells) that can even absorb acetylcholine. Thus, if you decrease the amount of acetylcholine as a side effect of certain medications, it accelerates this process, and you have even less of this neurotransmitter circulating.
Can anticholinergics cause body temperature to rise?
Even when used as instructed, anticholinergics can have some unpleasant side effects. Naturally, these will vary depending on the specific drug and dosage. The side effects may include: Another side effect is that these drugs can decrease sweat production and thereby raise your body temperature.
Should older people take anticholinergic drugs?
While older patients are more susceptible to the toxicity of anticholinergic drugs, they are not the only ones who should avoid this type of medication. You should also avoid anticholinergic drugs if you have: myasthenia gravis. hyperthyroidism. glaucoma. enlarged prostate. kidney problems or are on dialysis.
Can you take Xanax with another anticholinergic?
Here are some other anticholinergic drugs to watch out for. Generally, they have a weaker anticholinergic effect. Still, you should be mindful of using these drugs, especially if you are already taking another anticholinergic; combining them can result in serious injury or even death: Alprazolam (Xanax)
Can older adults take over the counter medications?
Many older adults take both prescription and over-the-counter medicines for allergies, mood, or sleep. Before doing so, however, make sure you consult with your doctor. There is a good chance these are classified as “anticholinergic drugs.”.
Can anticholinergic drugs cause heatstroke?
hallucinations. Another side effect is that these drugs can decrease sweat production and thereby raise your body temperature. This can lead to heatstroke. Also, anticholinergic drugs are linked to an increased risk of dementia with long-term use.
What is Loratadine used for?
Last updated on Oct 5, 2020. 1. How it works. Loratadine is an antihistamine that works selectively on peripheral histamine-1 (H-1) receptors (these are histamine receptors that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord).
What are the side effects of loratadine?
Downsides. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: A headache, fatigue, tiredness, or a dry mouth. Side effects are generally uncommon at recommended dosages.
What is the name of the drug that binds to histamine receptors?
Loratadine binds to histamine receptors and prevents histamine from affecting that receptor, which reduces the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Loratadine belongs to the group of drugs known as antihistamines. Loratadine may also be called an H1-antihistamine, a second-generation antihistamine, or a nonsedating antihistamine.
How long does it take for loratadine to work?
Loratadine is well absorbed after oral administration and peak levels are reached within an hour. Symptom relief may occur within 10-20 minutes of the first dose, with an average time of onset of 27 minutes. By 45 minutes, all patients should notice a reduction in their allergy symptoms.
What is the chemical that is released by mast cells in response to an allergen?
Histamine is a chemical that is released by mast cells in response to an allergen, and it is responsible for many of the symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the mucous membranes, sneezing, and itching.
What medications interact with Loratadine?
Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. Common medications that may interact with loratadine include: amiodarone. celecoxib.
Can you take loratadine every day?
During the pollen season, your doctor may advise you to take it every day if you suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis. Although loratadine is unlikely to make you drowsy, some people are susceptible to this effect. Do not drive or operate machinery if loratadine makes you drowsy.
Is there a side effect of expired drugs?
Expired drugs: There should be no side effects as expiration is usually based on loss of drug effectiveness. Drug companies err on the side of shortening times to e ... Read More
Can loratadine cause constipation?
Claritin (loratadine) ?: Constipation must be very very rare with Claritin (loratadine) although it may cause sedation when using higher dose than recommended. If you read t ... Read More

How It Works
- Loratadine may be used to treat allergic reactions.
- Loratadine works selectively on peripheral histamine-1 (H-1) receptors (these are histamine receptors that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord). Because it acts on peripheral histamine...
- Histamine is a chemical that is released by mast cells in response to an allergen, and it is res…
- Loratadine may be used to treat allergic reactions.
- Loratadine works selectively on peripheral histamine-1 (H-1) receptors (these are histamine receptors that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord). Because it acts on peripheral histamine...
- Histamine is a chemical that is released by mast cells in response to an allergen, and it is responsible for many of the symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the mucous membranes,...
- Loratadine belongs to the group of drugs known as antihistamines. Loratadine may also be called an H1-antihistamine, a second-generation antihistamine, or a nonsedating antihistamine.
Upsides
- Used to treat allergic-type reactions due to perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
- Effective at controlling symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose that occur as a result of other respiratory allergens.
- Can provide relief from the itching that occurs as a result of chronic urticaria (hives). Symptoms include raised, red, itchy bumps, streaks, or blotches on the skin.
- Used to treat allergic-type reactions due to perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
- Effective at controlling symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose that occur as a result of other respiratory allergens.
- Can provide relief from the itching that occurs as a result of chronic urticaria (hives). Symptoms include raised, red, itchy bumps, streaks, or blotches on the skin.
- May be used in the treatment of other allergic skin disorders.
Downsides
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. A headache, fatigue, tiredness, or a dry mouth. Side effects are generally uncommon at recommended dosages. 2. Generally does not cause drowsiness; however, some people may be affected so caution shoul…
Bottom Line
- Loratadine is an antihistamine that effectively treats allergic-type reactions such as hay fever and is unlikely to cause drowsiness.
Tips
- May be taken with or without food. Loratadine is usually taken once a day. During the pollen season, your doctor may advise you to take it every day if you suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis.
- Although loratadine is unlikely to make you drowsy, some people are susceptible to this effect. Do not drive or operate machinery if loratadine makes you drowsy.
- May be taken with or without food. Loratadine is usually taken once a day. During the pollen season, your doctor may advise you to take it every day if you suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis.
- Although loratadine is unlikely to make you drowsy, some people are susceptible to this effect. Do not drive or operate machinery if loratadine makes you drowsy.
- Seek urgent medical advice if you have hives and develop swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, dizziness, drooling, difficulty speaking, or shortness of breath.
- Loratadine is not a substitute for epinephrine which is used for the treatment of severe allergies and anaphylaxis.
Response and Effectiveness
- Loratadine is well absorbed after oral administration and peak levels are reached within an hour. Symptom relief may occur within 10-20 minutes of the first dose, with an average time of onset of 2...
Interactions
- Medicines that interact with loratadine may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with loratadine. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be mana…
Further Information
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use loratadine only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: November 2, 2021. Medical Dis…