Loratadine is used to relieve hi fever and allergy symptoms, including sneezing; runny nose; and red, itchy, tearing eyes. Loratadine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Loratadine may cause less drowsiness than other antihistamines.

Loratadine comes as a syrup, a tablet, and a rapidly disintegrating tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take loratadine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To take the rapidly disintegrating tablet, place the tablet on your tongue. It will quickly dissolve and can be swallowed with saliva.

Although side effects from loratadine are not common, they can occur. You may have discolored urine; this effect is harmless. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to loratadine or any other drugs.

* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially erythromycin (E-Mycin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), medications for asthma or colds, medications for depression, muscle relaxants, pain medications, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and vitamins.

* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease.

* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking loratadine, call your doctor.

* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking loratadine.

* plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Loratadine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take, especially of: high blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, other cold or allergy medicines. Do not take this drug if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within the last two weeks. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.