What you need to know about Loratadine, a tablet used for allergies

Sometimes, when you wake up in the morning, you get a runny nose, right? Or, all of a sudden, your body turns red and starts itching. Your nose runs, your eyes get red and itchy, and your throat itches... These things can be caused by an allergy. So, a very common medicine that doctors give us at times like these is Loratadine. Today, let's learn exactly about this medicine, its effectiveness, side effects, and things to be careful about when using it.

What is Loratadine?

Simply put, when something harmful, that is, an allergen, enters our body, our body cells release a chemical called histamine . It is this chemical called histamine that causes many of the symptoms we talked about earlier, such as itching, red eyes, sneezing, and skin rashes.

So, what Loratadine does is block the action of histamine. That's why we call this class of drugs antihistamines . It controls the discomfort caused by allergies. For example, this medicine is used for things like swelling after a bee sting, sneezing after dust, and itching after eating certain foods.

What should I tell the doctor before taking this medicine?

Before a doctor prescribes this medicine for you, it is very important to give a complete description of your health condition. Because the way this medicine affects people with other diseases may be different. Therefore, it is important to mention these things when talking to your doctor.

• If you have asthma .
• If you have any kidney disease.
• If you have liver disease.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to loratadine or any other medicine, food, or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant , or are expecting a baby .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medicine is suitable for you or not, and if so, what dosage to give.

How should I use this medicine?

Correct use of this is very important, especially since it is a 'chewable tablet'.

• Chew and swallow: This is the most important thing. Never swallow this pill whole with water. It should be chewed well and crushed before swallowing. Otherwise, the medicine will not work properly.
• Follow your doctor's instructions: Take only the dose prescribed by your doctor. Read the instructions on the medicine label carefully.
• With or without food: This medicine can be taken before or after food, it doesn't matter.
• Take it at the right time: If you are told to take it once a day, try to take it at the same time every day.
• If you are giving this medicine to children: If you are giving this medicine to young children, be sure to talk to your doctor about it. It is usually prescribed for children over 2 years of age in some cases, but there are special precautions for it. Therefore, do not give it to young children without medical advice.

Overdosage

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, if it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.

Things to be careful about when taking medicine

• Symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve despite taking medication, or if they worsen, tell your doctor immediately.
• Dry mouth: You may experience dry mouth while taking this medicine. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on unsweetened toffee, and drinking plenty of water can help. However, if the problem persists or is severe, talk to your doctor.
• Drowsiness and alertness: This medication may cause drowsiness, decreased alertness, and slight changes in body control in some people. Therefore , do not do dangerous activities such as driving or operating machinery until you know how you feel after taking this medication. To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when getting up from a sitting position or out of bed.
• Alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol can increase side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol while taking this medication.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, Loratadine can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. Some are minor, while others require immediate attention.

This list does not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.

How to store the medicine?

• Keep it out of the reach and sight of small children. This is the most important thing.
• Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Do not store the medicine in places with high humidity, such as the bathroom.
• Discard expired medication without using it.

Loratadine, allergy, side effects, antihistamine, histamine, itching, rash, cold