Loratrim

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Loratrim

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Loratadine (C22H23ClN2O2)
Form Tablet, Syrup, Oral Solution
Pharmacological class Second-generation H₁-receptor antagonist
Common use Symptomatic relief related to allergic responses
Origin Synthetic compound

What Type of Medicine is Loratrim? (Identity and Classification)

Loratrim is a pharmaceutical preparation whose active ingredient is Loratadine, classified as a second-generation antihistamine and a selective peripheral H₁-receptor antagonist. This classification identifies it as a long-acting compound engineered to interfere specifically with the allergic cascade mediated by histamine.

The distinction of Loratrim's class is its selective peripheral action, which minimizes its ability to affect the central nervous system. Loratadine is clinically recognized for its efficacy in providing sustained relief. Loratadine is recognized as an effective compound for the management of common allergic reactions. Loratrim is positioned as a readily accessible option for symptomatic relief, often available over-the-counter (OTC) in many regions.

Composition, Origin, and Available Forms

The core composition of Loratrim is the single active substance, Loratadine, which is a tricyclic piperidine derivative. It is a synthetic compound manufactured via controlled chemical processes, ensuring standardized composition and purity across batches, a fundamental requirement for high-quality pharmaceuticals. The chemical formula for Loratadine is C22H23ClN2O2.

Loratrim is designed for oral administration and is produced in several common dosage forms, including the solid tablet and liquid preparations such as an oral solution or syrup. The availability of the liquid forms specifically caters to the pediatric patient group or individuals who have difficulty swallowing tablets. All forms use an excipient base or aqueous vehicle to ensure the active ingredient is delivered efficiently for systemic absorption.

What is the General Purpose of Loratrim?

The primary general purpose of Loratrim is to provide symptomatic relief by effectively inhibiting the physiological action of histamine, a natural chemical mediator released during an allergic reaction. Loratadine is described as a non-sedating H₁-blocker, confirming that it acts to prevent histamine from triggering symptoms while generally preserving the patient's normal level of alertness. By selectively neutralizing histamine's effects on peripheral receptors, the drug helps diminish the unpleasant manifestations—such as sneezing, persistent itching, or a runny nose—that define the body's overreaction to allergens.

Regulatory References

  1. Loratadine - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf

What side effects are possible with Loratrim?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for the active ingredient in Loratrim, Loratadine, is established through clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance, with adverse effects classified by frequency and affected System Organ Class (SOC) in regulatory documents. The majority of reactions observed in clinical trials were generally comparable to those experienced with placebo.

Officially Documented Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions are classified according to incidence. The following effects were reported:

  • Common (reported in ge 1/100 to < 1/10 users): Headache, somnolence (drowsiness), nervousness, and fatigue.
  • Very Rare (reported in < 1/10,000 users): Effects reported from post-marketing experience include serious hypersensitivity reactions (such as angioedema and anaphylaxis), dizziness, convulsion, tachycardia, palpitation, nausea, dry mouth, gastritis, abnormal hepatic function, rash, and alopecia.
  • Not Known (frequency cannot be estimated): Weight increased.

Safety Considerations for Specific Populations

Specific safety statements are included in official labeling for certain patient groups. Caution is recommended when Loratrim is administered to individuals with severe liver impairment due to the potential for reduced drug clearance. The medication is formally not recommended for use during breast-feeding because the active substance is known to be excreted in human milk.

Administration-Agnostic Safety Notes

The medicine is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any other component of the formulation. Although the influence on the ability to drive or use machines is generally considered negligible, official safety notes inform that very rarely drowsiness may occur, a possibility relevant to activities requiring mental alertness.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

In the event of a known or suspected overdose with Loratrim (Loratadine), immediate medical attention is required, and individuals must contact emergency services or a poison control center right away. This action is consistently mandated across official regulatory documentation.

Documented Overdose Presentations and Actions

Focus Official Regulatory Statement
Common Clinical Signs Manifestations reported with overexposure include drowsiness (somnolence), headache, and an abnormally rapid heart rate (tachycardia).
Severe Outcomes In pediatric patients, high doses have been associated with severe effects such as extrapyramidal signs and palpitations, necessitating intensive hospital monitoring.
Management Approach The standard management is symptomatic and supportive treatment, with procedural steps for recent ingestion, including the consideration of activated charcoal and gastric lavage.
Antidote Status Official labeling states that no specific antidote is known for Loratadine overdose.

Required Emergency Response

Due to the potential for severe, documented manifestations like extrapyramidal signs and palpitations—especially in children—seeking immediate professional help is mandatory. Patients with severe hepatic impairment are also noted to have potentially greater sensitivity to Loratadine’s effects. The absence of a specific antidote means management is focused on supportive care and the potential removal of unabsorbed drug, underscoring the necessity of immediate medical intervention.

Therapeutic Uses of Loratrim

What Loratrim Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Loratrim is commonly used to help manage symptoms related to heightened physiological activity that define allergic conditions. This medication provides supportive relief across two main therapeutic domains: allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial) and chronic spontaneous urticaria (hives).

Loratrim may be part of symptomatic management for the cluster of symptoms that often appear suddenly or fluctuate due to environmental triggers. This involves managing manifestations like repetitive sneezing, a persistent runny nose, and noticeable itching of the eyes, nose, and throat. For skin conditions, it is commonly used to help with the intense, generalized pruritus and wheals related to hives.

“The core benefit of Loratrim is its role in contributing to improved comfort during symptomatic periods, supporting patients during difficult episodes.”

Loratrim supports symptomatic relief, generally contributing to improved comfort during symptomatic periods. This may assist with maintaining functional stability by supporting alertness when symptoms interfere with daily functioning.


Quick Fact: Symptomatic Support Focus

Symptom Category Conditions Addressed Primary Patient Benefit
Upper Respiratory Seasonal/Perennial Allergic Rhinitis Helps ease sneezing and runny nose.
Dermatological Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (Hives) Contributes to easing persistent skin itching.

Regulatory References

  1. DailyMed: LORATADINE ALLERGY RELIEF- loratadine tablet

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Scope

Official regulatory information defines eligibility for Loratrim (Loratadine) based on age, physiological status, and underlying health conditions.

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Populations for whom use is allowed Generally allowed for adults and adolescents (12 years and older) and children aged 2 to 11 years.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Individuals with known hypersensitivity to Loratadine, its active metabolite Desloratadine, or any formulation excipients.
Age-related eligibility rules Use is not established and not recommended in children under 2 years of age.
Condition-specific eligibility rules Patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment are eligible, but use is classified for conditional restriction; these groups are often advised to use a lower initial dose.
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status Use is generally not recommended for pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding/lactating per official guidance.
Eligibility-related restrictions Certain formulations containing lactose are contraindicated in patients with rare hereditary problems like Lapp lactase deficiency.

Eligibility Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Official Regulatory Statements
Eligibility severity classification Contraindicated (Hypersensitivity), Not Recommended (Pregnancy/Lactation; Children < 2 years), Restricted/Conditional Use (Organ Impairment).
Regulatory basis Based on the Contraindications and Special Populations sections of official FDA Prescribing Information and EMA Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).

Connection to the overall eligibility profile: Regulatory documents define eligibility by establishing absolute contraindications (allergy) and mandating restricted use in populations based on age, physiological state (pregnancy/lactation), and organ function (hepatic/renal clearance). The official profile explicitly outlines who is prohibited from using the drug and who must have their use conditioned by health status.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Loratrim's official interaction profile, as detailed in regulatory documents, is primarily defined by its pharmacokinetic interaction potential with certain enzyme inhibitors and specific administration constraints. The active ingredient, loratadine, is metabolized by liver enzymes, predominantly CYP3A4 and to a lesser extent CYP2D6. Co-administration with strong inhibitors of these metabolic pathways, specifically including Ketoconazole, Erythromycin, and Cimetidine, results in substantially increased plasma concentrations of loratadine. This exposure modification is formally documented in the official labeling.

A mandatory Administration Timing Restriction is noted for diagnostic procedures: Loratrim must be discontinued at least 48 hours before a Dermal Reactivity Index skin test to prevent interference with the accuracy of the test results.

Regarding interactions with non-medicinal products, food ingestion is documented as a Pharmacokinetic Food Effect, causing an approximate 40% increase in the systemic bioavailability (AUC) of loratadine. Conversely, studies show no potentiation of the effects of alcohol when loratrim is taken concurrently. A key population-dependent exposure risk is noted for patients with severe hepatic impairment, who experience doubled systemic exposure to loratadine.

Mechanism of Action

Targeting Peripheral Histamine H1 Receptors

Loratrim’s active components function as an inverse agonist, resulting in a competitive blockade of the peripheral H1 receptor. This action prevents endogenous histamine from binding and initiating the G q-protein signaling cascade. The mechanism addresses the primary molecular target selectively outside the central nervous system (CNS).

Interruption of Vascular and Neural Cascades

The H1 blockade modulates key physiological pathways by inhibiting histamine’s ability to increase capillary vascular permeability and stimulate peripheral sensory nerve endings. Modification of these early molecular steps results in an adjustment of fluid extravasation from tissues and a change in the transmission of peripheral irritation signals.

Sustaining the Blockade with an Active Metabolite

The drug’s mechanism relies on the formation of the active metabolite, Desloratadine, which exhibits a sustained half-life. The continuous receptor occupancy by the metabolite maintains the H1 blockade over 24 hours, thereby maintaining a modulated state relative to histamine-driven effects.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Loratrim is Used: Administration Guidelines

Loratrim (loratadine) is used according to the specific instructions detailed in prescribing information. The instructions dictate the route, standard dose, frequency, and necessary adjustments for certain populations.

Approved Administration and Dosing

The established route for all approved forms (tablet, syrup, solution) is oral use. The standard regimen for adults and adolescents 12 years and older is 10 mg administered once daily (qDay). The dosage schedule is structured to provide an effect lasting in excess of 24 hours, meaning the 10 mg dose should not be repeated within a 24-hour period.

Dosing Parameter Guideline
Standard Adult Dose 10 mg once daily
Maximum Frequency Not more than once every 24 hours
Timing Relative to Food May be taken with or without food

Form-Specific and Population Instructions

For proper administration, regular tablets must be swallowed whole. Liquid forms, such as the syrup or oral solution, require precise measurement using an enclosed dosing device.

Dose modifications are required for individuals with impaired drug clearance, as explicitly stated in the prescribing information:

  • Severe Hepatic Impairment: The initial dose for adults and children over 6 years is recommended to be reduced to 10 mg every other day.
  • Renal Impairment (GFR < 30 mL/min): The dose should likewise be reduced to 10 mg every other day for adults and children over 6 years.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Evidence for Symptomatic Relief in Allergic Rhinitis

This section will summarize the structure of clinical research, including the large body of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, that have evaluated Loratrim in research exploring how symptoms change in both seasonal and perennial allergies, such as sneezing and a runny nose.

Research has extensively examined Loratrim in numerous short-term, double-blind Randomized Controlled Trials. These trials were used in research exploring how symptoms change over time and focused on outcomes related to physical discomfort. Findings describe patterns observed in these studies, and systematic reviews have described a consistent pattern across many clinical trials, contributing to a large volume of evidence regarding research focusing on conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes.

While research has explored short-term symptom changes thoroughly, the overall evidence base has limited data specifically examining Loratrim in research exploring long-term symptom patterns. Comparative evidence is sometimes mixed, and evidence quality varies across studies when examining secondary outcomes.


Evidence for Symptomatic Relief in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria

Loratrim was also studied for conditions involving periods of heightened symptoms, specifically chronic spontaneous urticaria (hives). Studies explored the product through short-term, placebo-controlled RCTs applied in studies examining patient-reported experiences. The main outcomes measured were linked to inflammatory or irritative states, with research focusing on measurements of itching (pruritus) severity and the visibility and size of wheals. The evidence contributes to the broader evidence landscape for monitoring symptoms of conditions presenting with cycles of stability and flare-ups. The primary limitation is that follow-up durations were limited for controlled trials; thus, long-term effects are not fully established through this research.


Long-Term Studies and Follow-Up Data

Most research that evaluated Loratrim focused on short-term symptom changes. Long-term studies and extended-duration data are more often derived from observational settings or patient registries. There is limited information from controlled trials exploring long-term outcomes. Assessments regarding effects lasting more than six months are limited by the duration of the original controlled trials.


Evidence in Specific Patient Groups

Loratrim was evaluated in studies focusing on episodes where symptoms become more noticeable across various patient groups, including research involving pediatric patients (children). However, for certain other groups, such as older adults, data are still emerging, and sample sizes were modest or evidence remains limited.


What is Still Uncertain About Loratrim Research

Several research limitation frames apply to the broader landscape. Long-term effects are not fully established through the most robust controlled trial designs. Sample sizes were modest for many specific subgroup analyses, meaning data for certain groups remain limited, and subgroup findings are uncertain. Research findings reflect group patterns but do not provide individual predictions.

How should Loratrim be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Loratrim

Loratrim must be stored according to official regulatory specifications to maintain its stability and effectiveness.

Storage Requirements

Condition Requirement
Temperature Store at Controlled Room Temperature, typically 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).
Protection Keep from freezing and protect from excess heat, moisture, and light.
Container Keep the medicine in its original container and ensure it is tightly closed.
Child Safety Must be stored out of the reach of children, often requiring a location that is up and away.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Loratrim must be discarded properly. The preferred method is using a drug take-back program. If a take-back program is unavailable and the label does not instruct otherwise, the medicine can be disposed of in household trash by first mixing it with an undesirable substance like coffee grounds and placing it in a sealed bag. Do not keep outdated medication.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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