Loratadine

Question 1

Indications Loratadine

Answer 1

Minor allergic reactions that are confined to skin involvement

Question 2

Contraindications for loratadine

Answer 2

Age less than 1 year

Question 3

Precautions for loratadine

Answer 3

None

Question 4

Administration and dosage
loratadine

Answer 4

Adults and children over 12 years of age: 10 mg PO Children aged 1-11 years: 5 mg PO

Question 5

Onset of effect

Answer 5

10-20 minutes after oral administration

Question 6

Mechanism of action
loratadine

Answer 6

Loratadine is a long-acting, non-sedating antihistamine. It has selective peripheral H1 receptor antagonistic activity. It does not readily penetrate into the CNS and exhibits higher affinity for peripheral H1 receptors than for central H1 receptors. As a result, loratadine blocks the action of histamine, reducing itching, redness and hives.

Question 7

Pharmacokinetics of loratadine

Answer 7

Loratadine is well absorbed after oral administration.
It is metabolised by the liver and the metabolites are excreted in urine.

Question 8

Duration of effect loratadine

Answer 8

12-24 hours

Question 9

Common adverse effects
of loratadine

Answer 9

None

Question 10

Interactions of loratadine

Answer 10

No common interactions

Question 11

Additional information of loratadine

Answer 11

Increases in plasma concentrations of loratadine have been reported after concomitant use with ketoconazole, erythromycin, roxithromycin or cimetidine in controlled clinical trials. In a very small number of patients this was associated with a prolonged QT interval. This only occurred with prolonged dosing and did not occur with acute dosing.

Question 12

Preparation Loratadine

Answer 12

10 mg tablets