Also indexed as: Claritin
Combination drug: Claritin-D

Loratadine is a selective antihistamine used to relieve allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergy) symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. It is also used to treat people with idiopathic urticaria. Loratadine is available alone and in a combination product.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
| Depletion or interference |
None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known |
| Supportive interaction |
None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability |
None known |
| Adverse interaction |
None known |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Food
Food slows the absorption of loratadine and also increases the total amount of the drug
absorbed.1 It is recommended that loratadine be taken on an empty
stomach.2
Alcohol
Selective antihistamines, including loratadine, may cause drowsiness or dizziness, although it
is less likely than with nonselective antihistamines.3 Alcohol can intensify
drowsiness and dizziness, increasing the risk of accidental injury. People taking loratadine
should use alcohol only with caution.
1. Threlkeld DS, ed. Respiratory Drugs, Antihistamines. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1998, 194b.
2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Respiratory Drugs, Antihistamines. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1998, 194b.
3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Respiratory Drugs, Antihistamines. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1998, 194b.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.