Loratadine Pediatric Dosing
For children 2 to under 6 years of age, administer loratadine 5 mg (1 teaspoonful) once daily; for children 6 years and older, administer 10 mg (2 teaspoonfuls) once daily. 1
Age-Based Dosing Recommendations
Children Under 2 Years
- Loratadine is not recommended without consulting a physician 1
- Safety and efficacy have not been adequately established in this age group
Children 2 to Under 6 Years
- Dose: 5 mg (1 teaspoonful) once daily 1
- Do not exceed 5 mg in 24 hours 1
- This corresponds to one teaspoonful of the 5 mg/5 mL suspension 1
Children 6 Years and Older
- Dose: 10 mg (2 teaspoonfuls) once daily 1
- Do not exceed 10 mg in 24 hours 1
- Dosed as adults at this age 1
Clinical Efficacy Evidence
The FDA-approved dosing is supported by clinical trial data demonstrating effectiveness and safety:
Onset and duration: Loratadine begins working within 1 hour with effects lasting at least 24 hours, supporting once-daily dosing 2
Proven efficacy: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of children aged 3-12 years with allergic rhinitis, loratadine syrup (5 mg or 10 mg daily) significantly reduced total symptom scores compared to placebo at day 7 (p=0.003) and maintained improvement through day 21 3
Safety profile: Multiple studies confirm loratadine is well-tolerated in pediatric patients with minimal sedation, unlike traditional antihistamines 3, 4, 5
Special Populations
Liver or Kidney Disease
- Consult a physician before administering loratadine to children with hepatic or renal impairment 1
- Dose adjustment may be necessary due to altered drug metabolism and clearance
Administration Considerations
- Use only the enclosed dosing cup for accurate measurement 1
- Once-daily dosing improves compliance compared to multiple daily doses 5
- The syrup formulation is particularly convenient for young children who cannot swallow tablets 3
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not exceed the maximum daily dose: Giving more than the recommended amount does not improve efficacy and may increase adverse effects
- Use proper measuring devices: Household spoons are inaccurate; always use the provided dosing cup 1
- Do not confuse age groups: The 5 mg dose is specifically for children 2 to under 6 years, not older children