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Oral solution (liquid) antihistamine, sold over the countera non-drowsy antihistamine, a type of medicine that works against allergy symptoms

Loratadine

Loratadine · Say it: lor-AT-a-deen

Loratadine is a liquid antihistamine used to temporarily relieve allergy symptoms and itching caused by hives. The label describes it as non-drowsy when taken as directed.

Brand names: Allergy ReliefDG Health Allergy ReliefNon-Drowsy Allergy Relief24-7 LifeSignature Care Allergy ReliefCareOne Childrens Allergy ReliefXL - 3 Allergy

Reading levelLanguage

Used for

Temporarily relieving runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, and itching of the nose or throat caused by hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies

Comes as

Oral solution, 5 mg per 5 mL (Hives Relief product)

Common side effects

Key facts
Generic nameLoratadine
Brand namesAllergy Relief, DG Health Allergy Relief, Non-Drowsy Allergy Relief, 24-7 Life, Signature Care Allergy Relief, CareOne Childrens Allergy Relief, XL - 3 Allergy
Type of medicinea non-drowsy antihistamine, a type of medicine that works against allergy symptoms
How it is soldOral solution (liquid) antihistamine, sold over the counter
Comes asOral solution, 5 mg per 5 mL (Hives Relief product)
Routeoral
Boxed warningNo
Label date2025-06-19

💊 What is Loratadine used for?

How it works

How it is usually taken

  • The label says to use only the enclosed dosing cup. It is taken by mouth once daily for adults and children 6 years and older. Do not take more than one dose in a 24-hour period. People with liver or kidney disease should ask a doctor first. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist, and read the label directions for the exact amount for your age group.

Comes as

  • Oral solution, 5 mg per 5 mL (Hives Relief product)

⚠️ Loratadine side effects

Common side effects

    Get medical help right away if

    • Get emergency help right away if you have hives along with trouble swallowing, dizziness or loss of consciousness, swelling of the tongue, swelling in or around the mouth, trouble speaking, drooling, wheezing, or problems breathing. The label says these may be signs of anaphylactic shock, which can be life threatening if not treated right away. Symptoms may appear when hives first show up or up to a few hours later.
    • Stop use and get medical help right away if an allergic reaction to this product occurs.
    • Ask a doctor if a rash or itching does not get better after 3 days of treatment.
    • Contact a doctor if hives keep coming back.

    🛑 Who should not take Loratadine, and who should be careful

    The label says not to take it if

    • You have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients, or to other antihistamines.
    • You are taking any other product that contains loratadine.
    • You have liver or kidney disease, unless a doctor directs you to use it.
    • The leaflet says children under 6 years of age should not take this product.
    • Your hives look bruised, have an unusual color, or look blistered. The label says these may be signs of a more serious problem.
    • You want to use it to prevent hives or allergic skin reactions. The label says it should never be used this way.

    Tell your doctor before taking it if

    • Ask a doctor before use if you have liver or kidney disease. The label says your doctor should decide if you need a different dose.
    • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use.
    • Contact a doctor before use if your hives are an unusual color, look bruised or blistered, do not itch, or have lasted longer than 6 weeks.
    • The label says this product is not a substitute for an epinephrine injector. If you have been prescribed one, carry it with you at all times.
    • Hives can sometimes be serious. If you do not know the cause of your hives, the label says to see a doctor for a medical exam.

    🔀 Loratadine with other medicines, food and alcohol

    The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

    • Do not take with any other product that contains loratadine.
    • Do not use as a substitute for an epinephrine injector.

    Alcohol and food

    The label does not say.

    🤰 Loratadine in pregnancy and breastfeeding

    Pregnancy

    The label says that if you are pregnant, you should ask a health professional before use.

    Breastfeeding

    The label says that if you are breastfeeding, you should ask a health professional before use.

    🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

    Storage

    Store between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). The label says to check that the seal around the cap is not broken or missing before use.

    If a dose is missed

    The label does not say.

    If too much is taken

    In case of overdose, the label says to get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Taking more than directed may cause drowsiness.

    🗒️ Questions to ask about Loratadine

    🎯 Check what you understood

    1. What is the label's main purpose for this medicine?

    2. According to the label, can this product be used instead of an epinephrine injector?

    3. What does the label say about taking more than directed?

    ❓ Loratadine: frequently asked questions

    What is loratadine used for?

    The label says it temporarily relieves runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, and itching of the nose or throat from hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies. It also relieves itching due to hives.

    Can loratadine prevent hives?

    No. The label says this product will not prevent hives or allergic skin reactions from occurring. It should not be used to prevent them from any known cause, such as foods, insect stings, or medicines.

    When should I get emergency help while using this product?

    The label says to get emergency help right away if you have hives along with trouble swallowing, dizziness, swelling of the tongue or mouth, trouble speaking, drooling, or wheezing or breathing problems. These may be signs of anaphylactic shock.

    Who should not take this product?

    According to the leaflet, people who have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or its ingredients, people taking other products containing loratadine, and children under 6 years of age should not take it. People with liver or kidney disease should only use it if a doctor directs.

    How should I store this product?

    The label says to store it between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). It also says not to use it if the seal around the cap is broken or missing.

    🧪 Tests and reports linked to Loratadine

    The label text mentions these. If you have one of these reports, get every line of it explained.

    📖 Medical words used on this page

    • Allergic reaction

      An allergic reaction is when the immune system overreacts to something harmless, such as a medicine or food, causing symptoms from a rash to swelling.

    • Anaphylaxis

      Anaphylaxis is a severe, whole-body allergic reaction that comes on fast and is a medical emergency needing urgent help.

    • Antihistamine

      An antihistamine is a medicine that blocks histamine, used for allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching and hives. Some cause drowsiness.

    • Edema

      Edema is swelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues, often in the feet, ankles and legs.

    • Hay fever

      Hay fever is an allergy to pollen or similar triggers, causing sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy, watery eyes. It does not cause a fever.

    • Impression

      The impression is the summary at the end of a scan report, where the radiologist gives the main conclusions.

    • Kidney disease

      Kidney disease is any condition that damages the kidneys or reduces how well they filter waste and extra fluid from the blood.

    • Over-the-counter

      Over-the-counter (OTC) means a medicine you can buy without a prescription, from a pharmacy, shop or supermarket.

    • Overdose

      An overdose means taking more of a medicine or substance than the body can safely handle, which can cause harmful or life-threatening effects.

    • Pediatric

      Pediatric means relating to children. On medicine labels it refers to babies, children and teenagers, usually under 18 years old.

    • PO (by mouth)

      PO on a prescription or chart means the medicine is taken by mouth, from the Latin per os.

    • Poison control center

      A poison control center is an expert phone service that gives urgent advice if someone may have swallowed or been exposed to too much of something.

    • Pruritus

      Pruritus is the medical word for itching of the skin.

    • Somnolence

      Somnolence means drowsiness or strong sleepiness. It is a common side effect listed on many medicine labels.

    📖 Medical words on this page

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    Source: official FDA drug label (label updated 2025-06-19). Read the full label on DailyMed

    MedicDecode explains the official label in plain words. It is not medical advice and does not replace your doctor or pharmacist. Never start, stop or change a medicine because of what you read here.