What is loratadine?
Children's Loratadine (Claritin®️) Syrup is an antihistamine that helps manage allergic rhinitis and hives . It relieves allergy symptoms like watery eyes, itchy skin, runny nose and sneezing. It is available over the counter.2
How does an antihistamine work?
An antihistamine is a type of medicine that is used to manage allergy symptoms, including conjunctivitis , hives, and hay fever , as well as reactions due to insect bites or stings.1
As its name suggests, antihistamines block the effect of histamines.2 These are chemicals that are released when the body detects a harmful foreign body or an infection.1 However, in the case of allergies, the body mistakes harmless materials like house dust, pollen , or animal hair, for something harmful and produces histamines anyway.1
What should I know before letting my child take it?
Can I give my kids loratadine?
Studies have shown that loratadine is generally well-tolerated not just by adults and the elderly, but by children.3
Another study found that second-generation, or non-drowsy, antihistamines were preferred for use on children because they did not have a sedative effect.4 The side effect of sleepiness affects learning in school, while uncontrolled allergies not only impacts learning ability, but behavioral and psychosocial development. With its non-sedative and antihistamine effects, loratadine is able to reduce allergy-induced learning impairment compared to diphenhydramine.4
Key Takeaways
Children's Loratadine (Claritin®️) Syrup helps allergy sufferers manage their symptoms, such as rashes, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, and others.
It is non-drowsy compared to cetirizine and first-generation antihistamines5,6, works in as fast as 15 minutes7 and lasts up to 24 hours6. This is a great choice for parents who want to ensure that their kids can study and play with less inconveniences from allergies. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
- What is the appropriate dosage for my child?
Children are prescribed Loratadine according to their weight and age.3 Usually, children weighing more than 30 kgs receive 10 mg once a day and those aged 2 to 12 and weighing less than 30 kgs receive 5 mg once a day.3 Be sure to check the label or consult your child’s doctor. - Children's Loratadine (Claritin®️) Syrup is non-drowsy vs. 1st generation antihistamines and cetirizine.
According to research, kids who take loratadine become less sleepy compared to other antihistamines, such as cetirizine.3 - Make sure that your child can take Children's Loratadine (Claritin®️) Syrup
Before administering loratadine, don’t forget to tell the doctor if you or your child has an allergy to loratadine, any ingredient in loratadine preparations, or any medicine.2 Inform them too if your child is taking other medicines, vitamins, and supplements; if they have had asthma or a condition called phenylketonuria, where a special diet must be followed.2
ASC Ref. No. B0077P040323C
REFERENCES
- Antihistamines, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antihistamines/. Accessed 29 Sept 2022
- Loratadine, https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697038.html#:~:text=Loratadine%20is%20in%20a%20class,pseudoephedrine%20(Sudafed%2C%20others).. Accessed 29 Sept 2022
- PHaria, M., Fitton, A. & Peters, D.H. Loratadine. Drugs 48, 617–637 (1994). https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-199448040-00009. Accessed 29 Sept 2022
- Baharudin A, Latiff AH, Woo K, et al. Using Patient Profiles To Guide The Choice of Antihistamines In The Primary Care Setting in Malaysia: Expert Concensus And Recommendations. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management. 2019;15:1267
- Kawauchi, H.; Yanai, K.; Wang, D.-Y.; Itahashi, K.; Okubo, K. Antihistamines for Allergic Rhinitis Treatment from the Viewpoint of Nonsedative Properties. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20, 213. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20010213
- Haria, Malini, et al. “Loratadine.” Drugs, vol. 48, no. 4, 1994, pp. 617–637., https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-199448040-00009.
- Sur, Denise K C, and Monica L Plesa. “Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis.” American family physician vol. 92,11 (2015): 985-92.
