What are the typical dosages of Loratadine (Loratadine), an antihistamine?

From the Guidelines

Loratadine is typically taken at a dose of 10 mg once daily for adults and children 6 years and older. Children 2-5 years old should receive 5 mg once daily 1. The medication can be taken with or without food, and is available as tablets, rapidly-disintegrating tablets, and liquid formulations. For most allergic conditions, loratadine provides 24-hour relief with this once-daily dosing.

Key Considerations

• Patients with severe liver impairment should start with 10 mg every other day.
• Loratadine works by blocking histamine H1 receptors, preventing histamine from triggering allergy symptoms without causing significant drowsiness since it doesn't readily cross the blood-brain barrier 1.
• This makes it a second-generation antihistamine preferred for daytime use.
• The medication typically begins working within 1-3 hours, with maximum effectiveness after regular daily use for several days.
• If symptoms don't improve after 3 days of proper use, consult a healthcare provider.

Important Side Effects

• At higher than recommended doses, loratadine may have sedative properties 1.
• Patients with low body mass may conceivably reach an elevated dosage level and develop drowsiness and/or performance impairment 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

DIRECTIONS •use only with enclosed dosing cup adults and children 6 years and over 2 teaspoonfuls (tsp) daily; do not take more than 2 teaspoonfuls (tsp) in 24 hours children 2 to under 6 years of age 1 teaspoonful (tsp) daily; do not take more than 1 teaspoonful (tsp) in 24 hours ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S) (in each 5 mL teaspoonful) Loratadine USP, 5mg

The typical loratadine dosages are:

• Adults and children 6 years and over: 2 teaspoonfuls (10mg) daily, not to exceed 2 teaspoonfuls (10mg) in 24 hours 2
• Children 2 to under 6 years of age: 1 teaspoonful (5mg) daily, not to exceed 1 teaspoonful (5mg) in 24 hours 2
• Children under 2 years of age: dosage to be determined by a doctor 2

From the Research

Typical Loratadine Dosages

• The typical dosage of loratadine is 10 mg daily, as reported in several studies 3, 4.
• This dosage has been shown to be effective in treating allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria, with minimal sedating effects 3, 5.
• Loratadine's long-acting effects and limited selectivity for peripheral H1 receptors make it a suitable option for once-daily dosing 6.
• The 10 mg daily dosage has been compared to placebo and other antihistamines, with loratadine demonstrating superior or comparable efficacy and safety profiles 3, 5, 4.

Adverse Effects and Safety

• Commonly reported adverse events at the 10 mg daily dosage include somnolence, fatigue, and headache 3.
• Sedation occurs less frequently with loratadine than with other antihistamines, making it a suitable option for patients who require full alertness 3, 5, 4.
• Serious ventricular arrhythmias have not been observed with loratadine, adding to its safety profile 3.