Loratadine AdministrationSafe & Effective Dosing for Children
How to measure and give loratadine to children safely.
Overview & Key Instructions
Overview
Liquid (5 mg/5 mL) suits younger children. Children's chewables are 5 mg each.
Give loratadine once daily, measured with the enclosed dosing cup, or as chewable tablets chewed or crushed completely.
Instructions
- Use only the enclosed dosing cup for liquid (label). Chew or crush chewable tablets completely before swallowing (label).
Helpful Tips
- Give it at the same time each day.
Missed Dose Guidance
- Give the missed dose when you remember; if it is almost time for the next dose, skip it (MedlinePlus).
- Do not give a double dose to make up for a missed one.
- Give the missed dose when you remember; if it is almost time for the next dose, skip it (MedlinePlus).
- Never give a double dose.
Available Forms & Concentrations
Oral solution (syrup) Form
2 years and older (label)
5 mg/5 mL (1 mg/mL)
Advantages
- Exact measured doses
Storage Notes
Store as directed on the package.
Chewable tablet Form
5 mg: 1 tablet at 2 to under 6 years, 2 tablets from 6 years. 10 mg: 1 tablet from 6 years only (labels). Check the strength.
5 mg or 10 mg
Advantages
- No measuring
Storage Notes
Some chewables contain phenylalanine (PKU warning on the label).
Step-by-Step Preparation
Check the product
Confirm it is loratadine and read the strength.
Find the age dose
Use the label chart.
Measure
Use the enclosed dosing cup.
Give and record
Note the time so the dose is not repeated.
Age-Specific Administration Techniques
2 to 5 years
Method & Positioning
Method: Dosing cup, or one 5 mg chewable
Positioning: Seated
Success Tips
- Chew or crush completely
Common Challenges
Success Strategies
6 years and older
Method & Positioning
Method: Dosing cup, or two 5 mg chewables
Positioning: Seated
Success Tips
- Chew or crush completely
Common Challenges
Success Strategies
Food & Timing
Food Guidance
- Summary: Take once a day with or without food (MedlinePlus).
- Timing: Once daily.
Practical Recommendations
- Link the dose to a daily routine.
Absorption Considerations
- Chewables: chew or crush completely before swallowing (label).
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Symptoms not controlled on the age dose
Consider calling your pediatrician if this issue persists
Solutions to Try
- Do not increase the dose on your own
- See your clinician
Prevention Tips
- Give it at the same time each day
Child seems sleepy
Consider calling your pediatrician if this issue persists
Solutions to Try
- Check the dose was not repeated
- Check for other sedating medicines
Prevention Tips
- Record each dose
Dosing Schedule
Frequency: Once daily.
Typical duration: As long as symptoms need treatment; ask your clinician about long-term daily use.
Once daily
Times: Same time each day
Morning or evening.
Missed dose guidance
- • Give the missed dose when you remember; if it is almost time for the next dose, skip it (MedlinePlus).
- • Do not give a double dose to make up for a missed one.
- • Give the missed dose when you remember; if it is almost time for the next dose, skip it (MedlinePlus).
- • Never give a double dose.
Safety & Storage Guidelines
Avoid These Mistakes
Using a kitchen spoon
Risk: Inaccurate dose
Prevention: Use the enclosed dosing cup.
Giving the 6-year dose to a younger child
Risk: Double the labeled dose
Prevention: Check the age band each time.
Giving two antihistamines
Risk: More side effects without more benefit
Prevention: Check cough and cold products.
When to Call for Help
Urgent Guidance
Get emergency help for swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or trouble breathing. In case of overdose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Parent Communication
Key Messages
- • The dose depends on your child's age.
- • Give it once a day.
- • Use the enclosed dosing cup.
Reassurance Points
- • Call your clinician with any questions about the dose.
Red Flags
Follow-up Guidance
- • Recheck the dose when your child turns 6.
You're Doing Great
Give the age dose once daily and measure with the enclosed cup.