Loratadine Side Effects (Cont.)

Common Loratadine Side Effects

Loratadine has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which the side effects of a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common loratadine side effects in adults included:
 
  • Headaches -- in up to 12 percent of people
  • Drowsiness -- up to 8 percent
  • Fatigue -- up to 4 percent
  • Dry mouth -- up to 3 percent.
     
In children, common side effects (occurring in 4 percent or less) included:
 
  • Nervousness
  • Wheezing
  • Fatigue
  • Hyperactivity
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
  • Conjunctivitis ("pink eye")
  • Voice changes
  • A general ill feeling (malaise)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (such as the common cold).

  

Loratadine Side Effects: Final Thoughts

You may experience some or none of the loratadine side effects listed in this article. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking the drug. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you develop something that "just does not seem right." While it may not be a side effect of loratadine, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;