What is the use of loratadine Tablet?

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

Loratadine is a well-established and widely available antihistamine, known for its non-drowsy formulation, offering 24-hour relief from allergy symptoms. So, what is the use of loratadine tablet? The medication is primarily used to relieve symptoms associated with seasonal and perennial allergies, as well as to treat hives.

Quick Summary

An overview of loratadine, a second-generation antihistamine, covering its primary uses for allergies and hives, mechanism of action, key benefits, side effects, and administration.

Key Points

Allergy Relief: Loratadine is primarily used to treat the symptoms of seasonal (hay fever) and perennial allergies, including sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Chronic Hives Treatment: The tablet is also an effective treatment for the itching and redness associated with chronic idiopathic urticaria, or hives.
Non-Drowsy Formula: As a second-generation antihistamine, loratadine typically causes minimal to no drowsiness, making it suitable for daytime use.
24-Hour Action: A single daily dose of loratadine provides a full 24 hours of relief from symptoms.
H1 Receptor Blocker: It works by blocking histamine H1 receptors in the body, which stops the chemical from triggering allergic reactions.
Available Over-the-Counter: Loratadine is widely available without a prescription under various brand names, such as Claritin®.
Consult a Professional: Individuals with liver or kidney issues, or who are taking other medications, should consult a doctor before use.

What is Loratadine?

Loratadine, often sold under the brand name Claritin®, is a second-generation antihistamine widely available over-the-counter. It works by blocking histamine, a natural substance your body produces during an allergic reaction, which causes uncomfortable symptoms. Unlike first-generation antihistamines, loratadine is known for causing minimal to no drowsiness, making it a popular choice for daytime allergy relief.

Primary Uses of Loratadine Tablets

The most common use of loratadine tablets is to treat the symptoms of allergic reactions, both indoor and outdoor.

Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

Loratadine is highly effective in treating both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. This includes a range of symptoms that result from exposure to airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold.

Runny Nose: Helps to reduce the constant flow of mucus.
Sneezing: Minimizes the frequency of sneezing fits.
Itchy or Watery Eyes: Alleviates the redness and itchiness of the eyes.
Itchy Nose or Throat: Soothes the annoying itching sensation in the nasal passages and back of the throat.

Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (Hives)

Beyond seasonal allergies, loratadine is also indicated for the management of chronic idiopathic urticaria, or hives. Hives are raised, itchy welts that appear on the skin and can be quite uncomfortable. Loratadine helps to reduce the itching and redness associated with these skin rashes.

How Loratadine Works: The Mechanism of Action

Loratadine is a selective peripheral histamine H1-receptor antagonist, blocking the receptors responsible for triggering allergic symptoms. By preventing histamine from binding, it stops the cascade of effects that lead to swelling, bronchospasm, itching, and pain associated with allergies and hives. Its minimal impact on the central nervous system, due to low blood-brain barrier penetration, contributes to its non-drowsy nature compared to older antihistamines.

Key Benefits of Loratadine Tablet

Non-Drowsy Formula: Provides relief without significant sedation.
24-Hour Relief: A single dose offers a full day of symptom control.
Over-the-Counter Availability: Easily accessible without a prescription.
Effective for Multiple Symptoms: Addresses a broad spectrum of allergy and hive symptoms.

Loratadine vs. Other Antihistamines

Choosing the right antihistamine involves understanding the differences between available options. Here's a comparison of loratadine with other common antihistamines:


Feature	Loratadine (e.g., Claritin)	Cetirizine (e.g., Zyrtec)	Fexofenadine (e.g., Allegra)	Diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl)
Generation	Second	Second	Second	First
Drowsiness	Minimal to none	Can cause mild drowsiness in some users	Minimal to none	Significant drowsiness
Speed of Onset	1-3 hours	20-60 minutes, faster than loratadine	Varies by formulation	Fast-acting
Duration	24 hours	24 hours	12 or 24 hours depending on dose	Shorter, requires more frequent dosing
Primary Use	Allergic rhinitis, hives	Allergic rhinitis, hives	Allergic rhinitis, hives	Allergic rhinitis, insomnia
Notes	Long-acting, well-tolerated.	Faster onset, but higher risk of mild sedation.	Minimal sedation, can be affected by high-fat meals.	High sedation risk, typically not recommended for daytime use.

Side Effects and Considerations

While generally safe, loratadine can cause some side effects, with serious reactions being uncommon. Common side effects include headache, dry mouth, and fatigue, and rarely, drowsiness. It is important to be aware of potential drug interactions with other medications, including certain antibiotics, antifungals, and indigestion medicines. Combining loratadine with alcohol or other sedating drugs can increase the risk of drowsiness. Individuals with liver or kidney issues should consult a doctor as dosage adjustments may be needed. Regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding, while generally considered safe, consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended. You can find more detailed information on drug interactions and side effects in the referenced web documents.

Conclusion

Loratadine tablets are an effective and accessible over-the-counter option for managing a variety of allergy symptoms and chronic hives. Its primary use is to deliver lasting, 24-hour relief from symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and itchy skin. The non-drowsy characteristic makes it a favored choice for maintaining alertness throughout the day. Always follow instructions on the product packaging and consult a healthcare professional regarding potential drug interactions or existing health conditions. Additional information is available from the official MedlinePlus drug information page.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary function of a loratadine tablet is to provide relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and hives by blocking the action of histamine.

Loratadine is known as a non-drowsy, or non-sedating, antihistamine. It is designed to relieve allergy symptoms with a much lower risk of causing sleepiness compared to older, first-generation antihistamines.

Loratadine is typically taken once daily. It is important to follow the instructions on the product packaging or consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Loratadine is available in formulations suitable for children, but the appropriate dosage and formulation depend on the child's age and weight. Always consult with a doctor or pharmacist before giving loratadine to a child.

Common side effects are generally mild and may include headaches, dry mouth, and fatigue. Serious side effects are rare.

Some medications, like certain antibiotics and heart medications, can interact with loratadine. You should inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you are taking to ensure safety.

While it can help with a runny nose, loratadine itself is not a decongestant. However, products like Claritin-D combine loratadine with a decongestant (pseudoephedrine) for relief of nasal congestion.

Use during pregnancy is considered generally safe, but has not been extensively studied. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking loratadine while pregnant or breastfeeding.

The onset of action for loratadine typically occurs within 1 to 3 hours, with its effects peaking within 8 to 12 hours.