Do you also sneeze often? Do your eyes get red and itchy? Or do you have unbearable itching on your skin? In such allergic cases, a medicine called Loratadine is often recommended by doctors and is easily available at pharmacies. Most of the time, this is given as a syrup to children and adults. So today, let's talk about this medicine called Loratadine.
What is Loratadine?
Simply put, loratadine is a medicine for allergies. It is used to prevent and treat symptoms such as red and itchy eyes, runny nose, stuffy nose, constant sneezing, or hives.
Imagine, when something allergic enters our body, our body's immune system releases a chemical called histamine . This histamine is responsible for the itching, redness, and swelling that we experience during an allergy. So, what this medicine called loratadine does is stop the chemical called histamine from working. This is why we call these types of medicines antihistamines .
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
When you visit your doctor, it is important to inform him of the following information before starting this medication. This is very important for your safety.
- If you have asthma .
- If you have kidney disease .
- If you have liver disease .
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to loratadine, other antihistamines, other medicines, foods, artificial colours or preservatives .
- If you are a pregnant woman or expecting a baby .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Telling your doctor these things will help him or her provide you with the most appropriate and safest treatment.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
It is very important to know exactly how to use this medicine.
- This is an oral medication . Follow the instructions on the medication bottle.
- Use the right measure: Always use a special cap, cup, or syringe to measure your medicine. Do not use teaspoons or tablespoons from your kitchen. They may not measure accurately, which can lead to you taking too much or too little. If you don't have a measure, ask your doctor or pharmacist for one.
- You can take this anytime, before or after meals.
- Take the medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by the doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
When given to small children
Doctors sometimes recommend this medicine for children over the age of 2. However, there are some things to be careful about. Therefore , do not give this medicine to young children without medical advice.
Most importantly: If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't delay. Immediately call 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?
Don't worry. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Things to consider when taking medication
- Pay attention to symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve, or if they seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor immediately.
- Dry mouth: Some people experience dry mouth while taking this medication. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. If this problem persists or is severe, talk to your doctor.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: Some people may feel drowsy, dizzy, or lightheaded when taking this medicine. Therefore , avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing other activities that require alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are elderly, take care when getting up from a standing position or from a sitting position. This can reduce the risk of dizziness and falls.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, loratadine can cause side effects in some people. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Possible side effects of loratadine | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Severe Allergic Reactions |
|
| Side effects that are usually common, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Commonly seen symptoms |
|
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Loratadine is an antihistamine that controls symptoms caused by allergies, such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
- Before taking this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (asthma, kidney, liver disease) and any other medications you are taking.
- Always use the correct measuring cup that comes with the medicine. Do not use kitchen spoons.
- The medicine may make you drowsy, so be careful when doing tasks that require attention, such as driving.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you suspect an overdose, call the National Poisons Information Center immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
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