From the Research
Loratadine can be prescribed for 7-14 days for a mild possible local allergic reaction with puffy eyes due to medication. The standard adult dose is 10 mg once daily. For most mild allergic reactions, a one to two-week course is sufficient to manage symptoms while the underlying cause resolves or is addressed. If the allergic reaction is confirmed to be from a medication, the primary intervention should be discontinuation of the offending drug if possible, with loratadine serving as symptomatic treatment. Loratadine works by blocking histamine receptors, reducing allergy symptoms like eye puffiness and itching. Some key points to consider when prescribing loratadine include:
- The patient's symptoms and medical history
- The potential for side effects, such as headache, drowsiness, and dry mouth 1
- The importance of discontinuing the offending medication, if possible, to prevent further allergic reactions 2
- The need for reevaluation if symptoms persist beyond two weeks, as this may indicate a continuing exposure to the allergen or a need to reconsider the diagnosis 3 It's also worth noting that topical antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers, such as olopatadine and azelastine, have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, and may be considered as alternative or adjunctive treatments 4, 5. However, the most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2022, which suggests that loratadine is a suitable option for managing mild allergic reactions 2.