Loratadine Side Effects

Loratadine is a long-acting tricyclic antihistamine that is used to treat allergies. This chemical reduces the amount of histamines in the body, that cause watery eyes, sneezing, itching and runny nose. One benefit that loratadine has, is that it is not carried to the brain from blood. Hence, it does not cause drowsiness like the other non-prescription antihistamines. Despite its use, there are certain loratadine after effects that a user must be aware of.

How Does Loratadine Work?
Our immune system reacts to certain substances that enter our body. This reaction is in the form of allergies which are a result of the release of histamines from certain cells of the body. Once the histamines bind to the histamine receptor sites, it is a signal for the allergic reactions to show up. Loratadine prevents the allergic reaction symptoms by blocking the histamine receptor sites.

Loratadine is a second generation antihistamine, that differs from the first generation ones in two aspects. Firstly, it has a longer half-life, which means that their anti-allergic effects last longer than that of the first generation histamine. Also, as already mentioned, loratadine does not breach the brain's natural barrier to certain substances for its blood vessels. Hence, loratadine does not cause drowsiness or sleepiness like the first generation antihistamines do.

Its Side Effects
Some common adverse effects that a user may expect are:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth and thirst
• Dry nose

Some serious side effects that need a doctor's attention are:

• Nervousness
• Severe weakness
• Accelerated heartbeat
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Wheezing

Although it is rare, there are some more serious side effects that one may witness. These adverse effects are in the form of severe reactions like skin rashes, itching, hives, swelling, and difficulty in breathing. Other than these common side effects, hair loss has also been reported by few users of the drug.

Side Effects in Children
Loratadine is available for children who are two years, in the form of loratadine syrup and chewable tablets. For those who are aged six years or older can take orally disintegrating tablets that dissolve quickly once they are taken in mouth. However, one should look out for some common side effects in children like:

• Nervousness
• Wheezing
• Fatigue
• Hyperactivity
• Pink eye or Conjunctivitis
• Pain in the abdomen
• Respiratory tract infection like the common cold

Loratadine Use Precautions
Other than side effects, it is important to consider certain conditions that may lead to complications while taking loratadine. Before starting on loratadine, inform your doctor of all the other medications you are on as certain drugs, especially those for cough and cold that have antihistamines, may increase the risk of adverse effects due to loratadine. Those with kidney and liver problems and women who are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding should take loratadine only if their doctor has prescribed them. This drug passes on to the baby while it is being breastfed and hence it is not recommended for nursing mothers. Some individuals are allergic to the drug itself. This aspect also needs to be checked before taking this drug.

Most of the loratadine side effects are mild and temporary. As one's body gets adjusted to the drug, the after effects also subside. However, in case any of the symptoms seem to worsen over time, medical help must be immediately sought.