Loratadine is either given as a prescription or purchased as an over-the-counter medication used to treat individuals with seasonal allergies. Dosing depends on who administers the medication and how severe the allergy symptoms are. The medication can also be changed if taken in conjunction with another drug.
In cases where allergy symptoms are severe or include body aches and hives or a rash in addition to the usual congestion and runny nose, an individual may be instructed to supplement the loratadine dosage with another type of medication, such as pseudoephedrine. A medical professional may recommend that the dosage be reduced or the intervals between taking the medication be increased. When paired with other antihistamines, the dose may also be lowered in order to reduce the chances of developing side effects from the medications.
Pre-existing conditions may require an individual to take a dosage other than the standard. In an individual diagnosed with malfunctions of the liver or kidneys, the loratadine dosage is typically cut in half to prevent adverse effects. It is still used for adults and children of all ages who have these other conditions, however.
Age can also impact the loratadine dosage prescribed. Children five years old or younger are usually given half the amount prescribed to adults. Once the child is six years old, he or she can typically take the adult dose as long as no other existing conditions or prescriptions could interfere with the medication.
Illness can also impact loratadine dosage. If the individual begins taking another decongestant, cold, or cough medication, whether prescription or over the counter, a medical professional may reduce the loratadine dosage until the other medication is stopped. Vitamin supplements and other herbal medications can also cause interference, and medical professionals should be consulted before other medications are started.
The medication is available in different forms, including a liquid, time-release tablets, and tablets that instantly dissolve when taken. Depending on the form of the medication, different dosages may be administered with different amounts of time between doses. Time-release tablets are designed to last longer, providing around-the-clock relief from symptoms. Those that instantly dissolve can be taken for relief when symptoms are severe but do not occur all the time. Many medical professionals will prescribe these to be taken when symptoms occur, such as with an occasional reaction to an allergen not always present in the environment.