Product Description
Loratadine Syrup 5mg/5ml is a medication used to treat allergy symptoms in adults and children over the age of 2. It contains the active ingredient loratadine, an antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the body during allergic reactions.
Here's a breakdown of key information:
Uses:
- Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Loratadine syrup helps relieve symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose and throat, and itchy, watery eyes.
- Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (Hives): Loratadine can help relieve itching and redness associated with hives.
Dosage and Administration:
- Adults and Children Over 12 Years: 10ml (10mg) of the syrup once daily.
- Children 2 to 12 Years: Dosage is based on weight:
- Body weight more than 30kg: 10ml (10mg) of the syrup once daily.
- Body weight 30kg or less: 5ml (5mg) of the syrup once daily.
- Patients with Severe Liver Impairment: A lower initial dose is recommended:
- Adults and children weighing more than 30kg: 10mg every other day.
- Children weighing 30kg or less: 5ml (5mg) every other day.
- Patients with Severe Renal Impairment: No dosage adjustments are required.
- Elderly: No dosage adjustments are required.
Side Effects:
- Common: Loratadine usually has no side effects. If you experience any unusual effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
- Serious: A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Precautions:
- Allergies: Before taking Loratadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, desloratadine, or any other ingredients in the medication.
- Medical History: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.
- Kidney or Liver Disease: Do not self-treat with this medication without consulting your doctor first if you have certain medical conditions such as kidney disease or liver disease.
- Drowsiness: Loratadine does not usually cause drowsiness when used at recommended doses. However, do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
- Hives: If you have hives and your doctor has prescribed Loratadine, or if you are considering using this drug to treat your own hives, tell your doctor right away if you have any of these other symptoms because they may be signs of a more serious condition: hives that are an unusual color, hives that look bruised or blistered, hives that do not itch.
- Sugar and Aspartame: Liquid products or chewable tablets may contain sugar and/or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.
- Older Adults: Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness or confusion. These side effects can increase the risk of falling.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this drug.
- Breastfeeding: This medication passes into breast milk. However, it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Interactions:
- Other Medications: This medication may interact with other medications. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
- Desloratadine: Loratadine is very similar to desloratadine. Do not use medications containing desloratadine while using loratadine.
- Lab Tests: This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as allergy skin testing), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Overdose:
- Symptoms: Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness.
- Action: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Important Notes:
- Don't Share: If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, do not share it with others.
- Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
- Storage: Different brands/strengths of this medication may have different storage requirements. Read the package labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements for the product you are using. Protect from light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
It is crucial to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Loratadine or any other medication. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual health needs and medical history.
