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Loratadine (Claritin) is a once‑daily, second‑generation antihistamine for allergic rhinitis and hives in children. It is generally non‑sedating at usual doses and well tolerated when dosed by age/weight.
Once‑daily antihistamine for allergies and hives
Liquid 5 mg/5 mL supports accurate dosing in younger children
Non‑sedating at usual doses; evening dosing if drowsy
Avoid duplication with desloratadine or other antihistamines
Dose adjustment in significant hepatic or renal impairment
Loratadine is a once‑daily antihistamine for allergy and hives relief with minimal sedation.
Use during symptomatic periods; combine with non‑medicine supports for best outcomes.
| Condition | Age Range | First Line? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic rhinitis (seasonal/perennial) | Children and adolescents | Yes | Once‑daily non‑sedating antihistamine; pair with environmental control and nasal therapies as needed. |
| Urticaria (hives) | Children and adolescents | Yes | Symptom control with daily dosing; clinician will advise for chronic urticaria. |
FDA-approved primary uses with Level A evidence
Quick selection guides and diagnostic pearls
When to consider other medications
How to explain treatment to families
Loratadine is usually well tolerated. The most common effects are mild and temporary—headache, dry mouth, or occasional drowsiness (less common than older antihistamines). Many children experience no drowsiness at all.
Focus on comfort and routine: once‑daily dosing, consider evening administration if drowsy, and pair with non‑medicine supports.
Headache—offer rest and fluids; age‑appropriate pain relief if needed
Dry mouth—encourage sips of water; sugar‑free lozenges in older children
Drowsiness (uncommon)—give in evening if bothersome
paradoxical agitation—seek advice if concerning
Organized by affected organ systems
How to discuss side effects with families
Management protocols and monitoring
Common concerns and practical guidance
Practical guidance for giving loratadine to children.
Shake the liquid well and measure with the oral syringe that comes with the medication—this provides accuracy and peace of mind. Loratadine can be given with or without food. If your child feels a little sleepy (uncommon), giving the dose in the evening is okay. For children under 2 years, only use if your clinician has advised and provided a dose. Avoid doubling up with related antihistamines such as desloratadine or combining with cetirizine/hydroxyzine unless your clinician advises. If using chewables/solutions, check the label for sweeteners (e.g., aspartame) if your child has PKU.
Helpful routines: give it at the same time each day, keep a brief symptom log, and pair with non‑medicine care (saline rinses, allergen minimization). If a dose is missed and it’s close to the next one, skip the missed dose—don’t double.
Emergency contact: Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, swelling of the face/lips/tongue, severe hives with dizziness, or if symptoms markedly worsen.
You’re doing a great job—steady, once‑daily dosing plus simple comfort measures helps most kids feel better quickly.
Different formulations and concentrations
Safe preparation and measuring techniques
Tailored approaches for different ages
Solutions for common challenges
Storage guidelines and safety tips
Expert pearls and evidence-based tips
Peripheral H1 blockade relieves itching, sneezing, and rhinorrhea with minimal sedation.
Loratadine selectively antagonizes peripheral H1 receptors, reducing histamine‑driven symptoms with limited central nervous system penetration.
Simple explanations and helpful analogies
Receptors, enzymes, and cellular targets
Absorption, metabolism, and elimination
Age-related differences and special populations
Clinical pearls to optimize loratadine use in kids.
Keep dosing simple, avoid duplication, and lean on non‑medicine supports.
Bedtime dosing can help
If drowsiness occurs, move the dose to evening while maintaining once‑daily simplicity.
Use just one daily antihistamine
Don’t combine loratadine with desloratadine or other daily antihistamines unless directed.
Core insights every provider should know
Recent updates that change how we practice
Organized by dosing, administration, and safety
How to explain treatments to families
Real-world cases with evidence-based approaches
Key numbers, algorithms, and decision tools
Understanding your child's medication is important. We've created comprehensive guides to help you safely administer Loratadine and monitor your child's response to treatment.
Either is fine. Loratadine is usually non‑sedating; if your child feels sleepy, giving it in the evening can help.
Avoid taking loratadine with closely related antihistamines such as desloratadine (it can be like double dosing). Nasal steroid sprays and saline rinses are commonly used together with loratadine—ask your clinician.
Relief often begins within 1–3 hours and lasts about 24 hours, making once‑daily dosing convenient.
For ongoing allergies or chronic hives, clinicians often use loratadine daily during symptom seasons or longer when needed. Discuss duration and follow‑up with your child’s clinician.
Loratadine treats allergy symptoms and hives, but it doesn’t target typical cold viruses. For colds, focus on comfort care like fluids, rest, saline sprays, and a humidifier; ask your clinician for guidance if symptoms are severe or prolonged.