Description
Common side effects include sleepiness, dry mouth, and headache. Serious side effects are rare and include allergic reactions, seizures, and liver problems. Use during pregnancy appears to be safe but has not been well studied. It is not recommended in children less than two years old. It is in the second-generation antihistamine family of medication.
Loratadine was patented in 1980 and came to market in 1988. It is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. Loratadine is available as a generic medication.