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Ubayd Ali

Authored by

Ubayd Ali

Superintendent Pharmacist

Registration Number: 2219322

NHS Pharmacist and founding member of HEBA, with years of experience in healthcare across innovative organisations.
Sufyan Tahir

Reviewed by

Sufyan Tahir

Clinical Governance Lead

Registration Number: 2221275

Review Date 17 March 2026
Next Review 17 March 2028
Published on 17 March 2026
Last Update 17 March 2026

Description

Loratadine 10mg is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. It belongs to the second-generation antihistamine drug class and is available in the UK both as a Pharmacy (P) medicine and as a General Sale List (GSL) medicine, sold over the counter without prescription under brand names including Clarityn.

Loratadine is a class of medication known as an antihistamine, primarily used to treat symptoms of hay fever including runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. Loratadine lasts around 24 hours in the body which means you only need to take it once a day to control hay fever symptoms. It is a fast-acting medication and normally starts to work within 1 hour of taking it.

Loratadine has no clinically significant sedative or anticholinergic properties in the majority of the population when used at the recommended dosage. This distinguishes it clearly from first-generation antihistamines such as chlorphenamine (Piriton) and promethazine, which commonly cause significant drowsiness.

How does it work?

How does Loratadine work?

When the immune system encounters a substance it has been sensitised to — such as pollen, pet dander, house dust mite allergens, or mould spores — it triggers the release of a chemical called histamine from specialised immune cells called mast cells and basophils. Histamine then binds to histamine H1 receptors located throughout the body — in the nasal passages, eyes, skin, and airways — producing the characteristic symptoms of an allergic reaction: sneezing, a runny or itchy nose, watery and itchy eyes, and itching or hives on the skin.

Loratadine, the active ingredient, is a tricyclic antihistamine with selective, peripheral H1-receptor activity. It works by competitively and selectively blocking histamine H1 receptors at peripheral tissue sites — primarily in the nasal mucosa, conjunctiva (the membrane lining the eye), and skin — preventing histamine from binding to these receptors and thereby preventing the cascade of allergic symptoms that histamine binding would otherwise produce.

Why Loratadine is "non-sedating"

As a "non-sedating" antihistamine, loratadine causes less sedation than the older antihistamines, because it penetrates the blood-brain barrier less. First-generation antihistamines (such as chlorphenamine or promethazine) readily cross the blood-brain barrier and block H1 receptors in the central nervous system, causing significant drowsiness. Loratadine's more selective peripheral activity means CNS penetration is minimal at therapeutic doses, preserving alertness in the vast majority of users.

Directions

  • Swallow the tablet whole with water
  • The tablet may be taken without regard to mealtime — food does not affect the clinical efficacy of the dose
  • Take at approximately the same time each day for consistent symptom control
  • Do not take more than one 10mg tablet in any 24-hour period

Duration of Use:

Loratadine can be taken for as long as allergy symptoms persist. For seasonal allergies (e.g. hayfever), treatment is typically started at the onset of the pollen season and continued throughout. For year-round (perennial) allergies, it can be taken on an ongoing basis. If symptoms do not improve after several days of use, or if they worsen, consult a pharmacist or doctor.

Missed Dose:

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not take two tablets at once to make up for a missed dose.

Side Effects

Loratadine is very well tolerated by the vast majority of patients. In clinical trials involving adults and adolescents at the recommended dose of 10mg daily, adverse reactions with loratadine were reported in only 2% of patients in excess of those treated with placebo. This low side-effect profile relative to placebo reflects the high tolerability of the medicine at the recommended dose.

Most Common Side Effects:

The most frequent adverse reactions reported in excess of placebo in clinical trials were:

  • Somnolence (drowsiness) — 1.2% of patients
  • Headache — 0.6% of patients
  • Increased appetite — 0.5% of patients
  • Insomnia — 0.1% of patients

Further Information

Patient Information Leaflet

Summary of Product Characteristics

Verified customer reviews

Frequently asked questions

  • What is Loratadine 10mg used for?

    Loratadine 10mg is a non-drowsy antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergic conditions including hay fever (allergic rhinitis), dust mite allergy, pet allergies, and hives (urticaria). It works by blocking histamine receptors to reduce symptoms such as sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, and skin itching.

  • How do I take Loratadine 10mg?

    Adults and children over 12 years should take one 10mg tablet once daily. It can be taken with or without food. Do not take more than one tablet in 24 hours.

  • How quickly does Loratadine work?

    Loratadine typically starts to work within 1–3 hours of taking a dose, with maximum effect usually reached within 8–12 hours.

  • Is Loratadine non-drowsy?

    Yes, Loratadine is classified as a non-sedating antihistamine. Unlike older antihistamines such as chlorphenamine, it is much less likely to cause drowsiness. However, a small number of people may still experience mild sedation.

  • Can I take Loratadine every day?

    Yes, Loratadine is safe for daily use during allergy season or year-round if you have persistent allergic symptoms. If you need to take it long-term, it is advisable to check with your pharmacist or GP.

  • Can I take Loratadine with other medications?

    Loratadine is generally well tolerated alongside most common medications. However, some medicines such as erythromycin, ketoconazole, and cimetidine may increase loratadine levels in the blood. Always inform your pharmacist of any other medicines you are taking.

  • Can I drink alcohol while taking Loratadine?

    It is advisable to avoid alcohol while taking Loratadine as it may increase the risk of drowsiness, even though Loratadine itself is non-sedating.

  • Can I take Loratadine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

    You should consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Loratadine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. While it is not known to be harmful, cetirizine is generally preferred during pregnancy based on available evidence.

  • Is Loratadine suitable for children?

    Loratadine 10mg tablets are suitable for adults and children aged 12 and over. For younger children (2–12 years), a lower-dose syrup formulation is available. It is not recommended for children under 2 years of age.

  • What is the difference between Loratadine and Cetirizine?

    Both are non-drowsy second-generation antihistamines used for similar allergy symptoms. Cetirizine tends to act slightly faster and may be more effective for some people, but is also slightly more likely to cause drowsiness. Loratadine is generally considered the least sedating option. The choice between them is often down to individual response.

  • What should I do if I miss a dose?

    If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as normal. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

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