Like all medicines, loratadine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects of loratadine
The most common side effect of loratadine is feeling sleepy. This happens in more than 1 in 100 people.
There are things you can do to help cope with these common side effects:
Feeling sleepy and tired
Try a different non-drowsy antihistamine. If this does not help, talk to your doctor. Do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery until you feel better, and fully alert and awake.
Side effects in children may include:
Headaches
Make sure they rest and drink plenty of fluids. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Talk to your doctor if they do not go away or are severe.
Feeling tired or nervous
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects do not go away. They may be able to recommend a different antihistamine.
Keep taking loratadine, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.
Serious side effects
Serious allergic reaction
In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to loratadine.
Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air)
- your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
Other side effects
These are not all the side effects of loratadine. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.
Reporting side effects
You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.
Visit the Yellow Card website for more information about reporting side effects.