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 children under 2 years of age ask a doctor consumers with liver or kidney disease ask a doctor
The recommended dose of Loratadine for:
- Adults with normal renal function: 2 teaspoonfuls (tsp) daily
- Children 6 years and over with normal renal function: 2 teaspoonfuls (tsp) daily
- Children 2 to under 6 years of age with normal renal function: 1 teaspoonful (tsp) daily For adults and children with impaired renal function, the label advises to ask a doctor 1
From the Research
For adults and children 6 years and older with normal renal function, the recommended dose of loratadine is 10 mg once daily, as supported by the study 2, which demonstrated the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of loratadine syrup in children aged 2 to 5 years.
Key Considerations
- For adults and children with impaired renal function, the dosage should be adjusted to 10 mg every other day, based on the study 3, which characterized the disposition of loratadine in patients with renal insufficiency.
- Children aged 2-5 years with normal renal function should receive 5 mg once daily, while those with impaired renal function should take 5 mg every other day, as shown in the study 2.
- Loratadine is not recommended for children under 2 years of age regardless of renal function.
Administration and Side Effects
- Taking the medication with or without food is acceptable, as food does not significantly affect its absorption.
- Patients should be aware that loratadine may cause mild side effects such as headache, drowsiness, or dry mouth, though it is generally less sedating than older antihistamines, as noted in the study 4.
- The full antihistamine effect may take a few days to develop, so consistent daily dosing is important for optimal symptom control.
Special Considerations
- The dosage adjustment for impaired renal function is necessary because loratadine is primarily eliminated through the kidneys, and reduced kidney function leads to slower clearance of the medication from the body, as discussed in the study 3.
- Although loratadine is generally well-tolerated, there have been reports of acute interstitial nephritis, as seen in the study 5, which highlights the importance of monitoring renal function in patients taking loratadine.