How Loratadine works
Loratadine blocks the effects of the neurotransmitter histamine and thus relieves the symptoms of an allergic reaction:
If histamine subsequently binds to its docking site (receptor), the typical symptoms of an allergy occur, such as increased blood flow to the tissue (redness, swelling, wheals), itching, watery eyes, runny nose, and even cramping of the airway muscles (bronchospasm).
As a selective inhibitor of the histamine receptor (H1 receptor), loratadine can prevent these histamine effects and thus help against allergic symptoms.
Absorption, degradation and excretion
After absorption by mouth (by oral route), the drug is rapidly and completely absorbed from the intestine into the blood and converted to its active form by the enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2D6.
It then distributes throughout the body and is subsequently broken down in the liver. The breakdown products are then excreted by the kidneys.
When is loratadine used?
The indications for use (indications) of loratadine include:
- Hives (Urticaria)
How Loratadine is used
Loratadine is usually used in the form of tablets. The dosage is usually ten milligrams daily. Young children under 30 kilograms of body weight and people with liver dysfunction receive a reduced dose.
The tablets can be taken independently of meals, and are best taken with a large glass of tap water.
What are the side effects of loratadine?
Rarely, taking the active substance causes an increase in appetite and gastrointestinal complaints.
What should I be aware of when taking loratadine?
Drug interactions
Unlike other allergy medicines, loratadine is not known to increase its effect when taken at the same time as alcohol.
Trafficability and operation of machines
In rare cases, loratadine can cause fatigue as a side effect. Therefore, especially at the beginning of treatment, attention should be paid to the individual reaction to the active substance.
In case of uncertainty, patients should decide together with their physician whether active participation in road traffic and operating heavy machinery are advisable.
Age restrictions
Pregnancy and lactation
The effects of loratadine during pregnancy and lactation have been very well studied. No harmful effects have been observed in children taking the drug, although the active ingredient passes into breast milk in breastfeeding women.
Medicines containing loratadine are therefore considered the drug of choice for allergic reactions in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
How to get medicines with loratadine
How long has loratadine been known?
Loratadine is a relatively new active ingredient. As a so-called second-generation antihistamine, its mode of action is much more selective than that of its predecessors and has significantly fewer side effects with the same efficacy.
For example, unlike other allergy medications, loratadine practically does not make patients tired, which is a clear advantage over the other representatives from this class of active ingredients.
Other interesting facts about loratadine
This is a test in which allergens are applied directly to the skin in order to find out to which allergen the person being treated is hypersensitive (certain pollens, house dust, animal hair, etc.). If the allergy tablets with loratadine were not discontinued beforehand, the test could be falsely negative, i.e. an existing allergy would not be detected.
