RiteMED Loratadine

Loratadine.

Each tablet contains: Loratadine 10 mg.

This medicine contains loratadine, an anti-allergy. Loratadine blocks the action of naturally occurring histamine, a substance that causes allergy. Loratadine is less likely to cause drowsiness and dizziness than the older class of anti-allergy medicines.

This medicine is used for the relief of symptoms associated with: Allergic rhinitis such as sneezing; runny, itchy nose; and itchy, watery eyes.
Skin allergy such as itch and rash.

This medicine should be taken orally (by mouth) once a day.
Adults and Children over 12 years: 1 tablet.
Children: 6 to 12 years: 1 tablet.
2 to 5 years: 1/2 tablet.
Or, as recommended by a doctor.
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as the patient remembers then the subsequent dose as recommended (i.e., after 24 hours).

Signs and symptoms of loratadine overdose include sleepiness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, and extrapyramidal manifestations or movement disorders such as involuntary movements, tremors and rigidity, body restlessness, muscle contractions, and changes in breathing and heart rate.
What to do when patient has taken more than the recommended dosage: If patient has taken more than the recommended dosage, consult a doctor.

If patient is allergic to any ingredient in the product.
If patient is pregnant or breastfeeding.

This medicine should be given with care to patients with kidney or liver disease including patients taking other drugs that affect the liver. Patients with hepatic impairment or renal insufficiency, including geriatric patients, have decreased renal clearance of the drug, and should be given a lower initial dose of loratadine.
Consult a doctor: Before taking this medication, tell the doctor if patient has kidney or liver disease. The patient may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Undesirable effects with loratadine are rare, dose-related, and are usually temporary and mild in severity.
The most common undesirable effects include headache, drowsiness, fatigue (excessive tiredness), insomnia (sleeplessness), nervousness, hyperkinesia (hyperactivity), malaise (feeling of bodily discomfort), wheezing, upper respiratory tract infection, dry mouth, epistaxis (nose bleed), sore throat, abdominal pain, diarrhea, stomatitis (inflammation in the mouth or tongue), tooth disorder, conjunctivitis (irritation and redness of the thin membrane covering the eye), and rash.
The following side effects have been reported rarely in postmarketing studies: abnormal liver function including jaundice, hepatitis, and hepatic necrosis (death of liver cells), alopecia (hair loss), anaphylaxis (rare, life-threatening allergic reaction), breast enlargement, erythema multiforme (a skin condition characterized by symmetrical, red, raised skin areas all over the body), peripheral edema, seizure, and thrombocytopenia (decreased number of platelets).
The following undesirable effects have been reported in at least 1 child or adult patient receiving loratadine in clinical studies: Nervous system: Agitation, amnesia, anxiety, asthenia (weakness), confusion, decreased libido, depression, dizziness, dysphonia (difficulty in speaking), gloomy dreams, hypertonia (muscle stiffness), hypoesthesia (abnormally decreased to sensitivity to sensory stimuli), impaired concentration, irritability, migraine, paresthesia (sensation of tingling, pricking or numbness of the skin), tremor, vertigo.
Respiratory: Bronchitis, bronchospasm, cough, dyspnea (shortness of breath), hemoptysis (expectoration of blood), hiccup, laryngitis, nasal dryness, sinusitis, sneezing.
Cardiovascular: Hypertension, hypotension, irregular heartbeat, palpitations, syncope (fainting/temporary loss of consciousness), tachycardia (rapid heart rate).
Gastrointestinal: Altered salivation, altered taste, anorexia (loss of appetite), constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence (gassiness), gastritis, increased appetite, loose stools, nausea, vomiting.
Ocular (Eye) and Otic (Ear): Altered lacrimation (secretion of tears), blepharospasm (eyelid spasm, continuous blinking, blurred vision, earache, eye pain, tinnitus (ringing in ears).
Allergic Reactions: Angioedema (characterized by deep swelling around the eyes and lips and sometimes of the hands and feet), light sensitivity, pruritus (itching), purpura (small purple-red marks in skin or other tissue caused by bleeding), urticaria/rash.
Other undesirable effects: Arthralgia (joint pain), back pain, breast pain, chest pain, dermatitis, dry hair, dry skin, dysmenorrhea, fever, flushing, impotence, increased sweating, influenza-like symptoms, leg cramps, menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding), myalgia (muscle aches), rigors (shaking), thirst, urinary retention (difficulty urinating), urine discoloration, vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina), viral infections, weight gain.

Tell the doctor about other medicines the patient is taking, especially other medicines for cough, cold or allergy.

Store at temperatures not exceeding 25°C.

Antihistamines & Antiallergics

R06AX13 - loratadine ; Belongs to the class of other antihistamines for systemic use.

Non-Rx