Allergy (translated from Greek as “another reaction”) is an exaggerated or perverted “response” of the immune system to certain substances that enter our body. They can be very different in structure of the compound: from protozoa (such as iodine and bromine) to complex protein and non-protein. Only distilled water does not cause an allergic reaction.
The fact that allergic diseases are very common in our time, and forcing those affected by them to seek information on how to treat this condition and on what drugs can help in the problem that has arisen.
Today we will consider antihistamines (in particular, loratadine tablets): what do they help from, do they have side effects and how best to take them.
What is loratadine?
Medicines containing the substance loratadine are long-acting anti-allergic drugs of the second generation. They relate to antipruritic and antiexudative (that is, preventing the release of fluid into the tissue) agents. Judging by the numerous reviews, these drugs may “boast” that they remove the debilitating allergy symptoms within half an hour after administration, and their effect lasts for a day.
A distinctive feature of loratadine is that it is not addictive, regardless of the form of release of the drug containing the agent.
When do you take loratadine tablets?
Drugs containing loratadine for children and adults are prescribed in the same cases:
- with urticaria
- allergic rhinitis
- hay fever
- conjunctivitis
- dermatitis
- Quincke's edema,
- non-infectious-allergic form of bronchial asthma
- drug allergy.
These funds also remove the allergic reaction to bites of various insects.
How does a drug containing loratadine work?
The peculiarity of the effect of drugs with loratadine is the ability of this substance to block histamine receptors. These drugs, due to this, reduce the permeability of capillaries, prevent the development of edema and relieve spasms of smooth muscles.
As the reviews from consumers and experts confirm, loratadine does not give a sedative or hypnotic effect, and does not have a carcinogenic effect on the body. Malformations in the embryo or changes in the genetic apparatus as a result of taking this substance were not observed.
The drug is rapidly absorbed into the blood from the digestive tract (its maximum amount in plasma is detected after an hour) and is almost completely metabolized, excreted in the urine and feces for ten days.
In the Russian Federation, preparations containing loratadine are available in the form of tablets, suspensions, syrups and ointments. The most popular among them are loratadine tablets.
How to take pills?
The drug "Loratadin" is prescribed for children over 12 years of age and adults, usually one tablet (10 mg) once a day before meals. For children from two to twelve years, the number is determined depending on the weight of the child. So, with a weight of up to 30 kg, the baby should take half a tablet, and if the weight is more than 30 kg, then one tablet once a day will be the norm.
Be careful: the maximum dose taken per day of the drug should not be higher than 40 mg!
For patients with renal or hepatic insufficiency, the dose is adjusted: either take 5 mg daily, or every other day (in such cases, it is 10 mg).
According to practitioners who have left reviews about this drug, Loratadine is usually taken within two weeks. In some cases, the course may extend up to 28 days. One-time doses of the described drug are also provided.
What to do if you have missed taking the pill?
If you forget to take a medicine containing loratadine at a specific time, drink it when you remember. If a little time is left before the next appointment (3-4 hours), then wait for it and drink as usual.
No need to take an extra dose of the drug to catch up!
Side effects
Patient reviews also warn of possible side effects that may appear in some patients taking Loratadine tablets, which makes them vomit and dry mouth. But, it should be noted that these reactions are extremely rare.
The noted negative consequences of taking the medicine should also include several (also quite rare): a change in the color of urine, headache, agitation (in children), sleep disturbances, redness of the eyelids and itching in the eyes, increased appetite, impaired gastrointestinal function, taste disturbances, gastritis, flatulence, sore throat or mouth ulcers, nosebleeds, dry nose and cramps.
A study of the side effects of loratadine was carried out on 90,000 patients aged twelve years and older. They received the drug at a dose of 10 mg once a day for two weeks to six months (this included controlled trials with placebo). As a result of the studies, it was found that the negative manifestations of both the subjects taking loratadine and those who received placebo practically did not differ.
In what cases is the drug contraindicated?
If the patient has an increased sensitivity to the components of a therapeutic agent, then taking tablets is contraindicated for him. This product is not recommended during breastfeeding, as it is found that the described active substance is excreted in milk.
Children under two years of age are not prescribed the drug.
Separately, mention should be made of the features of taking loratadine-containing agents in pregnant women. The fact is that it is used in this period only if the effect of such therapy exceeds the possible risks associated with taking the medicine.
When taking the drug by people who use alcohol, it is possible to increase the effect of toxins on the liver.
How does an overdose of the drug manifest
As the studies of specialists and the reviews left by patients confirm, “Loratadine” is a drug, the use of which must strictly follow the dosage established by the doctor. If it was exceeded, the patient may experience tachycardia, drowsiness, and headache. The appearance of such symptoms is an occasion to urgently consult a doctor.
An overdose is treated by inducing vomiting (with the exception of patients who have lost consciousness), washing the stomach, taking activated charcoal, and subsequent symptomatic maintenance therapy.
Please note that loratadine is not eliminated by hemodialysis.
Does the drug "Loratadine" analogues?
In modern pharmaceuticals, there is a list of drugs containing loratadine. These include drugs: Alerpriv, Clallergin, Claridol, Claritin, Lomilan, Loratadin-Teva, Loratadin-Verte, Lotharen, LoraHexal, Erlin, etc. .
All of these drugs differ mainly in form of release, cost and manufacturer. The pharmacological effect and side effects are almost identical and are associated with the main active substance.
Interaction with other drugs
According to research reviews, loratadine, used with substances such as ketoconazole, cimetidine and erythromycin, significantly increases its concentration in plasma, without causing, however, clinical manifestations and without affecting the ECG.
The drug "Loratadine": instructions for children
In families where children grow up, parents prefer to have on hand drugs that relieve allergic manifestations so common in our time. And, judging by the reviews of the pharmacy workers, the most popular of them is Loratadin - syrup. For children, it is this form of drug release that is preferred, since it does not cause difficulty in swallowing.
In addition to loratadine, this syrup includes citric acid, artificial flavors, glycerin, propylene glycol, sodium benzoate, sugar and water.
Parents note the effectiveness of this drug and the speed of its exposure. As a rule, babies are prescribed one scoop of syrup (it is in each package) once a day, and for children after 6 years - two scoops. For crumbs up to two years, this tool is contraindicated.
It is worth noting that the syrup "Claritin (loratadine)" must be discontinued about two days before the diagnostic skin tests for allergens in order to avoid inaccurate results.
How does an ointment containing loratadine work
In addition to sneezing, tearing, rhinitis and edema, allergies are often manifested in the form of skin rashes, accompanied by itching and irritation. To combat such manifestations of a disease state, an ointment or cream is used.
For such dosage forms containing an antihistamine, the mandatory requirements are:
- they must reduce inflammatory processes on the skin;
- eliminate its dryness, redness and itching;
- protect the skin from infection by contact with an irritant.
All these properties are possessed by Loratadin ointment. Treatment with this remedy, as a rule, includes the additional use of antihistamines in the form of tablets or syrups, a mandatory diet and the ointment itself, to eliminate painful manifestations on the skin.
How to use loratadine-containing drugs
Whatever form you use loratadine - as a suspension, syrup, ointment or tablet - be sure to follow the instructions. Do not use the drug in larger or smaller amounts or longer than recommended by your doctor.
Do not use this medication to treat hives accompanied by large blisters, a rash of unusual color, and in cases where the rash is not accompanied by itching. All these cases require additional consultation with a doctor.
If within three days after you start taking the allergy condition does not improve at all, stop taking the drug containing loratadine. Most likely, it does not suit you, or the cause of the symptoms is incorrectly established.
If you are taking Loratadin syrup or tablets, from which you have new allergic manifestations, immediately seek medical help!
And remember one more rule, this time for any drug: if your doctor has prescribed you a drug, then you should not share it with your friends!
What to do before taking the drug with loratadine
In addition to the above, patients must remember that if they start taking drugs containing loratadine, then they need to inform their doctor about all the drugs that they are taking at the moment (this is necessary, since the described substance does not interact with all drugs )
It is important to warn the doctor about existing diseases of the liver or kidneys, as well as about the planned pregnancy. Elderly people should take this drug only under the supervision of a specialist.
Once again on the merits of drugs containing loratadine
In the end, I would like to once again linger on the clear advantages of the described drug over other antihistamines:
- Loratadin tablets (analogues of this drug are evaluated differently) have a low price, which allows people with low incomes to purchase the medicine;
- taking the drug once a day allows the patient not to worry about possible failures in the treatment regimen and not to calculate the number of tablets taken;
- one of the most valuable features of the described drug is the absence of drowsiness, lethargy, and other side effects associated with the drug during the period of application in the vast majority of patients.
But all of the above does not mean at all that patients with allergy manifestations should independently, without consulting a specialist, prescribe themselves, for example, Loratadin-Stada tablets or Claritin syrup. Like any other medicine, they can cause serious harm to your health (there are no exceptions to this paragraph). Therefore, be sure to consult a doctor in order to clarify the advisability of taking this drug, its dosage and not to worsen your condition by self-medication! Be healthy!