Loratadine (
Claritin®) is an antihistamine medication licensed for the treatment of
allergy symptoms (such as itchy eyes, sneezing, and runny nose) and itching due to hives.
It is available without a prescription and comes in several different forms and strengths, including:
- Loratadine syrup -- contains 5 mg of medication per teaspoonful (per 5 mL)
- Loratadine 5 mg tablets (chewable)
- Loratadine 5 mg tablets (orally disintegrating)
- Loratadine 10 mg tablets (orally disintegrating)
- Loratadine 10 mg tablets
- Loratadine 10 mg liquid-filled capsules.
The recommended loratadine dosage for most adults and children ages six and older is 10 mg once daily. If you have liver or kidney disease, you should consult your healthcare provider before taking loratadine, as you may need a lower dosage.
For children ages two through five, the recommended loratadine dose is 5 mg once daily. This dose can be achieved with the 5 mg tablets (one chewable tablet) or loratadine syrup (one teaspoonful, 5 mL).
(Click Loratadine Dosing for more detailed dosing guidelines for this medication and for important dosing tips and precautions.)
