From the FDA Drug Label
DIRECTIONS adults and children 6 years and over1 tablet daily; not more than 1 tablet in 24 hours The maximum recommended dose of Loratadine is 1 tablet in 24 hours for adults and children 6 years and over 1.
From the Research
The maximum recommended dose of loratadine is 10 mg once daily for adults and children 6 years and older, as higher doses do not provide additional therapeutic benefits but may increase the risk of side effects. This recommendation is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of loratadine in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis 2. Loratadine works by blocking histamine receptors, reducing allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose. It's a second-generation antihistamine that causes less drowsiness than older alternatives. The medication typically starts working within 1-3 hours and lasts for 24 hours, which is why once-daily dosing is sufficient.
Some key points to consider when prescribing loratadine include:
- Children 2-5 years of age should take no more than 5 mg once daily
- Patients with severe liver impairment should use caution and may be advised to take 10 mg every other day instead
- Loratadine can be taken with or without food, and the regular tablet or liquid formulation can be used interchangeably at the same dosage
- The efficacy and safety of loratadine have been compared to other antihistamines, such as ebastine, and have been found to be effective in controlling symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis 2
It's also important to note that loratadine has been found to be well-tolerated, with a low incidence of adverse events, including sedation, which is a common side effect of older antihistamines 3, 4. Overall, loratadine is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria, and the recommended dose of 10 mg once daily should not be exceeded.