Loratadine
CLARITIN
Pronunciation: lor-AT-a-deen
“Low rat dines with Clarity”
What it isSecond-generation H1 antagonist; allergic rhinitis and urticaria.
Why this oneCauses less drowsiness than cetirizine, but fexofenadine is generally the least sedating oral option.
What limits itIts low sedation comes with weaker urticaria control than cetirizine; inadequate control often prompts a switch.
Loratadine prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, H1 antihistamines (1944–2026). Loratadine enters in 1993 (estimated).
FDA-approved for
- allergy (1993)
Principal riskWeaker than cetirizine in urticaria
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Defining liabilityOccasional drowsiness despite low CNS penetration
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
NO BOXED WARNINGS
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allergy relief (OTC antihistamine) | Adults & children ≥6 yr | 10 mg (1 tablet) QD | 1 tablet/24 hr |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- Consumers with liver or kidney disease: ask a doctor
- Children under 6 yr: ask a doctor
Available strengths
- cap 10 mg
- tab 10 mg
- chew tab 5, 10 mg
- sol 1 mg/mL
- ODT 5, 10 mg
Pregnancy Undefined
Lactation Undefined
Cost
| Strength | #/mo | generic $ | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mg | tab | 30 qd | $1.59/mo | offered |
| 10 mg | cap | 30 qd | not offered | |
| 5 mg | chew tab | 30 qd | $15.64/mo | not offered |
| 10 mg | chew tab | 30 qd | not offered | |
| 1 mg/mL | sol | per unit | not offered |
Open Loratadine in the interactive console ↗
Self-check
- How does loratadine’s drowsiness compare with cetirizine’s?
Less drowsiness. - What efficacy tradeoff can limit loratadine in urticaria?
Weaker control than cetirizine.