Loratadine side effects
Loratadine is a long-acting antihistamine that is used for the treatment of allergy.
Blocking histamine
Histamine is a chemical that causes many signs
and symptoms of allergy. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells
(mast cells) and attaches to other cells that have receptors for histamine on
their surfaces. Histamine stimulates the cells to release chemicals that produce
effects that we associate with allergy. Loratadine blocks one type of histamine
receptor (the H1 receptor) and thus prevents activation of cells with H1
receptors by histamine. Unlike some antihistamines, loratadine does not enter
the brain from the blood and, therefore, does not cause drowsiness when taken at
recommended doses. The FDA approved loratadine in April 1993.
Users write their experience
I tried taking 10 mg of loratadine for hay fever. It set off heart
palpitations such that I was unable to sleep.