Lorange

Pharmacologic Category: Antihistamine.
Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics: Loratadine is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral doses, peak plasma concentrations being attained in about 1 hour. Bioavailability is increased and time to peak plasma concentration is delayed when taken with food. Loratadine undergoes extensive metabolism. The major metabolite, desloratadine, has potent antihistaminic activity. Reported mean elimination half-lives for loratadine and desloratadine are 8.4 and 28 hours, respectively. Loratadine and its metabolites have been detected in breast milk, but do not appear to cross the blood-brain barrier to a significant extent. Most of a dose is excreted equally in the urine and feces, mainly in the form of metabolites.

It is used in the symptomatic relief of allergic conditions including rhinitis and chronic urticaria. It is also used with a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine sulfate.

Loratadine is given by mouth in a dose of 10 mg once daily. Children ages 2 to 5 years may be given 5 mg once daily and those ages 6 to 12 years may be given 10 mg once daily for seasonal allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria. Patients with hepatic failure or mild renal insufficiency should be given loratadine 10 mg on alternate days initially.

Loratadine should not be used in pregnancy and breast-feeding mothers. It should be used with caution in patients with hepatic and renal impairment.

Liver impairment, abdominal hepatic function including jaundice, hepatitis, and hepatic necrosis has been reported rarely. Sometimes it causes rashes and hypersensitivity reactions and cross sensitivity to related drugs may occur. Other adverse side effects that have been reported with the antihistamine include paresthesias, tinnitus and hypotension.

Antihistamines & Antiallergics

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

Non-Rx