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 The recommended dosing for children is as follows:
- Children 6 years and over: 2 teaspoonfuls (tsp) daily; do not take more than 2 teaspoonfuls (tsp) in 24 hours 1
- Children 2 to under 6 years of age: 1 teaspoonful (tsp) daily; do not take more than 1 teaspoonful (tsp) in 24 hours 1
- Children under 2 years of age: ask a doctor 1
From the Research
Loratadine is typically dosed at 5 mg once daily for children 2-5 years old and 10 mg once daily for children 6 years and older, as supported by the study 2. For children under 2 years, loratadine is generally not recommended without medical supervision. The medication should be given at the same time each day for consistent symptom relief of allergies. The liquid formulation may be preferred for younger children who cannot swallow tablets, with dosing based on the child's weight and age. Loratadine works by blocking histamine receptors, reducing allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose without causing significant drowsiness compared to older antihistamines. Some key points to consider when prescribing loratadine to children include:
- The medication typically takes 1-3 hours to start working and reaches full effectiveness after several days of regular use.
- Side effects are generally mild but may include headache, dry mouth, or rarely, irritability in children.
- Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting loratadine in children, especially those with liver or kidney problems or those taking other medications, as noted in the study 3. It's also important to note that high-dose loratadine exposure can occur, and supportive care may be sufficient in such cases, as seen in the study 4. However, the primary concern is ensuring the appropriate dosage for the child's age and weight to minimize potential side effects and maximize the therapeutic benefits of loratadine, as discussed in the study 5.