Claritin® (
loratadine) is a medication commonly used for treating
allergy symptoms, such as itchy eyes, sneezing, and runny nose. It is also approved to treat itching due to hives (which may or may not be caused by
allergies).
The drug is now available without a prescription and comes in several different forms and strengths, including:
- Children's Claritin grape- or fruit-flavored syrup -- containing 5 mg of Claritin per teaspoonful (per 5 mL)
- Children's Claritin 5 mg grape chewable tablets
- Claritin 10 mg RediTabs® (orally disintegrating tablets)
- Claritin 5 mg RediTabs (12-hour tablets)
- Claritin 10 mg Liqui-Gels®
- Claritin 10 mg tablets
- Claritin Hives Relief 10 mg tablets (the same as the regular Claritin 10 mg tablets).
The recommended Claritin dosage for most adults and children ages six and older is 10 mg once daily. For young children two to five years old, the recommended dose is Claritin 5 mg once a day. People with liver or kidney disease should consult their healthcare providers before taking Claritin, as they may need a lower dosage.
(Click Claritin Dosage for more detailed dosing guidelines and for suggestions on when and how to take this antihistamine.)
