Loratadine Antihistamine Tablets

Loratadine Antihistamine Tablets

Loratadine Antihistamine Tablets

Pharmacy Medicine (P)
  • Relieves Mild To Moderate Allergy Symptoms
  • Active Ingredient: Loratadine
  • Blocks The Effects Of Histamine
  • Buy With Confidence From UK Registered Pharmacy
From £4.99
Are you aged 18 or over, and are your symptoms consistent with hayfever / seasonal allergies (for example sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy throat or nose), and have you had similar symptoms before?
Are you currently experiencing any of the following symptoms?

Difficulty breathing, worsening wheeze, chest tightness, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, severe facial swelling, fever, facial pain, thick coloured nasal discharge lasting more than 10 days, severe eye pain, changes to vision, symptoms affecting only one eye, or symptoms that are significantly worsening.

Does any of the following apply to you:

you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy, have severe asthma, glaucoma, epilepsy, significant liver or kidney problems, or have previously been told to avoid antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, or allergy eye drops?

Are you currently taking any other medicines, or do you have any medical conditions, that you have been advised may affect which allergy treatments you can use?
Before proceeding, please confirm the following:

I confirm that:
• I am purchasing treatment for hayfever / seasonal allergy symptoms only
• My symptoms are typical of hayfever / allergy and are not due to a new or unexplained illness
• I am aged 18 or over
• I am not experiencing any severe symptoms such as breathing difficulty, facial swelling, severe eye pain, visual changes, fever, or signs of infection
• I am not pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional
• I do not have any known allergies to antihistamines, sodium cromoglicate, fluticasone, lactose, or any ingredients in these products
• I do not have any known lactose intolerance or other ingredient intolerance that would make tablet treatment unsuitable for me
• I am not taking any medication, and have not been advised of any medical condition, that would make these treatments unsuitable for me

I understand that:

• Hayfever treatment may take time to work, especially nasal sprays, which may take several days of regular use for full benefit
• Promethazine may cause drowsiness, and I should not drive or operate machinery if affected
• If using Opticrom eye drops, I should avoid wearing contact lenses during treatment unless advised otherwise
• I will read the patient information leaflet provided with my treatment
• I will seek medical advice if my symptoms worsen, do not improve, or if I experience side effects
• This treatment is for my personal use only
• I have provided accurate and truthful information, and understand that incorrect information may make treatment unsafe

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About the product

Loratadine Tablets for Hayfever

 

What is Loratadine?

Loratadine is an antihistamine used to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hayfever. It helps relieve symptoms caused by an allergic reaction to pollen, such as sneezing, a runny or itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the throat or palate.

 

As this is a Pharmacy medicine, a short suitability check may be needed before purchase to make sure it is appropriate for you.

 

How does Loratadine work?

Loratadine blocks histamine H1 receptors. Histamine is one of the main chemicals released during an allergic reaction. By blocking its effects, loratadine helps reduce sneezing, itching, a streaming nose and eye symptoms caused by hayfever.

 

What is Loratadine used for on this page?

On this product page, loratadine is used specifically for:

- Seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hayfever

- Relief of symptoms such as sneezing, itchy nose, runny nose, blocked nose and itchy or watery eyes

 

It is not used here for:

- Acute allergic emergencies such as anaphylaxis

- Long-term assessment of unexplained breathing symptoms

- Children unless the product and dose are suitable for their age

 

Loratadine should be used according to the pack directions and only if it is suitable for you.

 

Who may be suitable for Loratadine?

You may be suitable if:

- You have symptoms typical of hayfever during pollen season

- You want a once-daily antihistamine option

- You have not had adequate relief from simpler measures, or loratadine has worked well for you before

 

Points to consider before using it:

- Your symptom pattern and likely triggers

- How often symptoms occur and how much they affect daily life or sleep

- Any liver problems or other health conditions

- Other medicines or supplements you take

 

Who should not use Loratadine or needs pharmacy advice first?

Do not use without advice if you:

- Are allergic to loratadine, lactose or any tablet ingredients

- Have symptoms that may suggest asthma or another condition needing review, such as wheeze, chest tightness or shortness of breath

- Are pregnant or breastfeeding without checking suitability first

- Have significant liver disease

- Are buying for a child and are unsure if the strength or formulation is age-appropriate

 

Use with caution and seek pharmacist or medical advice if you:

- Have liver problems

- Take other medicines that may interact or cause drowsiness

- Have symptoms that are not clearly seasonal or are not responding to usual allergy treatment

- Need treatment for long periods or very severe symptoms

 

How do I take Loratadine?

Follow the directions on the pack unless a healthcare professional has advised otherwise. Common adult dosing for hayfever is:

- One tablet once daily

 

Practical advice:

- Swallow with water

- Try to take it at the same time each day during your symptom period

- It can be taken with or without food

- If you have liver problems, you may need different advice on dosing

 

If your symptoms are severe or not improving, you may need additional treatment such as a steroid nasal spray or eye drops.

 

General self-care advice

- Keep windows closed on high pollen days where possible

- Shower and change clothes after being outdoors

- Wear wraparound sunglasses to reduce pollen reaching the eyes

- Apply a pollen barrier balm around the nostrils if helpful

- Check pollen forecasts and limit outdoor activity when counts are very high

 

Side effects and when to get help

Common side effects can include headache, tiredness, sleepiness, dry mouth and feeling sick. These are usually mild.

Seek medical advice urgently if you develop swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, severe rash, or a marked allergic reaction after taking the medicine.

How it works

1

Online consultation

Fill out a simple online form with no GP or pharmacy visits.

2

Clinical review

A UK-registered pharmacist reviews your details to decide the best treatment option for you.

3

Receive your prescription

If prescribed, you can get express delivery in discreet packaging right to your doorstep.

Delivery Information

Royal Mail Tracked 24

1–2 working days
£3.99

DPD Next Working Day Delivery

Next working day delivery
£6.95

Royal Mail Special Delivery

Guaranteed next working day delivery
£8.95

Discreet Packaging

All orders are sent in plain, unmarked packaging with no indication of the contents. Your privacy is our priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people notice symptom relief within 1 to 3 hours of taking a dose. It works best when taken regularly during the period you are exposed to pollen.

Loratadine is usually described as a non-drowsy or less drowsy antihistamine, but some people may still feel sleepy. Take care until you know how it affects you, especially if you drive or use machinery.

Yes. It is commonly taken once daily throughout the period when symptoms are active, following the pack directions or pharmacist advice.

Yes. It is often used alongside other treatments such as steroid nasal sprays, saline rinses or antihistamine eye drops if needed. Please consult with your pharmacist or GP if you feel this option is necessary.

Alcohol may increase sleepiness in some people. It is sensible to see how the medicine affects you before drinking alcohol.

Take it when you remember unless it is close to the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed tablet.

Seek review if symptoms do not improve, if you have wheeze or shortness of breath, if you need treatment for long periods, or if you are not sure your symptoms are caused by hayfever.

No. This information supports, but does not replace, advice from a pharmacist, GP or another qualified healthcare professional. Always follow the directions supplied with your medicine.

Authored by

Hussain Member

Superintendent Pharmacist GPhC 2221167