Is it possible to give loratadine to a 2 year old child?

Admission restrictions by age

Due to the fact that during the development of this drug, studies were not conducted on pregnant, lactating women and small children, the manufacturer does not recommend taking Loratadine for children under three years of age.
However, many pediatricians include this drug in their treatment regimen. So at what age can children be given Loratadine? The effect of this drug on the body of children aged 1-2 years when taking one dose of 2.5 mg of the main active substance does not differ from the pharmacokinetic characteristics in older patients. Therefore, if a child does not have a personal intolerance to some of the components of Loratadine, then if prescribed adequately, the drug will not have a negative effect on the baby’s body.

Before using Loratadine, it is necessary to obtain the advice of a specialist. The doctor must carry out a certain series of diagnostic measures. Based on these studies, a conclusion will be drawn about the possibility of using the proposed drug.

If an allergic reaction occurs, you need to take the drug orally. 1 tablet contains 10 mg. The tablets can be taken by adults and teenagers. Children under 12 years of age are not recommended to use this medicine. The child’s body cannot remove the active component from the body in full.

To completely get rid of allergies, you need to take Loratadine for 10-14 days. The duration of treatment can range from 1 day to 1 month. In most cases, it depends on the cause of the allergy.

The duration of the therapeutic effect on the body is determined in each specific case by the attending physician. It focuses on the patient’s age, type of disease, dynamics of normalization of the condition or the appearance of negative changes in well-being. In most cases, the treatment course does not last more than six months. For a child 5-12 years old, the duration of treatment should be no more than 2 weeks.

Possible side effects

The main reason for the appearance of various side effects is most often increased sensitivity to the components of this drug. Side effects are reversible and, as a rule, quickly disappear after discontinuation of loratadine. The occurrence of side effects is associated with the toxic effect of intermediate breakdown products of loratadine, which can penetrate almost all tissues and organs. The following side effects that may occur while taking loratadine are:

• disorders of the nervous system;
• disorders of the respiratory system;
• disorders of the musculoskeletal system;
• disorders of the cardiovascular system;
• allergic manifestations;
• disorders of the genitourinary system;
• disorders of the digestive system;
• other side effects.

Nervous system disorders

Although loratadine is not able to penetrate the cells of the central nervous system, it can have a toxic effect on them indirectly. The most common nervous system disorder is headache. The incidence of other more serious side effects is less than 1%. The following symptoms may appear from the nervous system:

• dizziness;
• headache;
• decreased concentration;
• increased nervousness;
• anxiety;
• insomnia;
• fainting;
• depression;
• tremor;
• paresthesia;
• amnesia.

Tremor (shaking) is characterized by the appearance of rapid and rhythmic movements of the arms, legs, and sometimes the torso. This trembling occurs due to involuntary sequential contractions and relaxations of muscles. Paresthesia is a sensory disorder in which a limb experiences a feeling of numbness, tingling, or crawling. Paresthesia occurs due to insufficient blood supply to superficial nerves, which is accompanied by a decrease in the conduction of impulses along them. Amnesia is a pathology in which partial memory loss occurs. With amnesia, both recent events can be forgotten, and partial loss of memories of events that happened long ago may occur. It should be noted that the above manifestations occur extremely rarely and most often disappear completely after stopping taking loratadine.

Respiratory system disorders

Sometimes after taking loratadine, various inflammatory processes may occur. This is due to the fact that the active metabolite of loratadine (descarboethoxyloratadine) can act as a strong irritant to the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Loratadine may cause the following respiratory problems:

• sneezing;
• cough;
• nasal congestion;
• bronchitis;
• pain in the chest;
• dyspnea;
• sinusitis;
• pharyngitis;
• laryngitis;
• bronchospasm.

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. Most often, the maxillary (maxillary) and frontal sinuses become inflamed. This disease is characterized by symptoms such as heaviness in the sinus, pain in the sinus during head movements, fever, and thick discharge from the nasal passages.

Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa. Pharyngitis causes a dry (non-productive) cough, pain and sore throat. Sometimes with pharyngitis, body temperature can rise to 37 - 38ºС (most often in children). Laryngitis is an inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa. With this pathology, hoarseness of the voice appears (later temporary loss of voice may occur), soreness and dryness in the throat, pain when swallowing, as well as a dry cough that does not bring relief. Severe swelling of the laryngeal mucosa can lead to shortness of breath, which is accompanied by cyanosis of the skin (bluish tint of the skin). Bronchospasm is a contraction of the muscular layer of the bronchi. This pathological process leads to a narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi and manifests itself in the form of difficult exhalation and strong and noisy breathing. Most often, bronchospasm is reversible and can be well treated with bronchodilator (eliminate muscle spasm of the bronchi) medications.

Musculoskeletal disorders

Loratadine can also lead to some disorders of the musculoskeletal system (in muscles and bones). The most common manifestations are:

• backache;
• arthralgia;
• myalgia;
• cramps in the calf muscles.

Arthralgia is the occurrence of pain in the joint. Most often, pain occurs in large joints - knee, hip, elbow and shoulder. The pain is aching in nature and completely disappears after stopping the medication. Myalgia is characterized by the occurrence of pain in the muscles. As a rule, myalgia occurs in the muscles of the limbs. The pain is aching and pressing. Calf cramps are a sudden spasm of the calf muscles (triceps muscle), which is accompanied by severe pain. Cramps can be triggered by physical activity, at rest, and can also occur during sleep when changing posture.

Cardiovascular disorders

Sometimes active metabolites of loratadine can adversely affect vascular muscle tone. In some cases, this may manifest itself as an increase or decrease in blood pressure. Loratadine can also contribute to the development of the following pathological conditions of the cardiovascular system:

• heartbeat;
• tachycardia.

Palpitations are felt as increased or abnormal heart function. Most often, palpitations appear with an increase in the number of heartbeats, as well as with an increase in blood pressure. Tachycardia is a condition in which the heart contracts at a rate greater than 90 beats per minute. Tachycardia is often accompanied by palpitations, and when prolonged, it leads to insufficient arterial blood flow to tissues and organs.

Allergic manifestations

Although loratadine is an anti-allergy medication, increased individual sensitivity to the components of the drug may cause or worsen existing allergic diseases. In rare cases, loratadine may lead to the following allergic reactions:

• hives;
• Quincke's edema;
• anaphylactic shock.

Urticaria is an allergic skin disease in which pinkish and flat blisters appear on the skin. These blisters strongly resemble those after a nettle burn. The skin rash usually occurs on the extremities, but can spread to the trunk and become generalized. It should be noted that hives blisters are very itchy. Also, with urticaria, nausea and/or vomiting often occurs. Quincke's edema or angioedema is a fairly common allergic reaction and manifests itself in the form of damage to the subcutaneous fat. As a rule, swelling occurs on the face, limbs, and in some cases on the genitals. Quincke's edema usually lasts for several days. It is worth noting that a serious complication of this allergic reaction is blockage of the upper respiratory tract due to swelling of the laryngeal mucosa. If medical care is not provided in a timely manner, a person may die from suffocation. Anaphylactic shock is one of the most dangerous allergic manifestations, in which in an extremely short period of time (seconds or minutes) there is a significant decrease in blood circulation in various tissues. An anaphylactic reaction occurs under the influence of histamine, as well as other mediators that support allergies. In the initial stage, this pathological condition is characterized by symptoms such as swelling of the skin (rapidly spreading), itching, nausea and vomiting. Subsequently, spasm of the bronchi and larynx occurs, swelling of the laryngeal mucosa, which leads to respiratory failure. There is also a sharp decrease in blood pressure (collapse). If emergency medical care is not provided, a person may die. It should be noted that the development of anaphylactic shock after taking loratadine is extremely rare (isolated cases).

Disorders of the genitourinary system

By affecting the genitourinary system, loratadine can lead to some serious complications. The following side effects from the genitourinary system are distinguished:

• change in urine color;
• painful urination;
• weakening libido;
• menorrhagia;
• dysmenorrhea;
• vaginitis

Menorrhagia is a pathological condition in which large blood loss (more than 150 milliliters) occurs during menstruation. Significant blood loss can lead to weakness, dizziness, anemia (decreased number of red blood cells and hemoglobin), and sometimes cause fainting. In some cases, menorrhagia may be accompanied by bleeding gums or nosebleeds. Dysmenorrhea or algodismenorrhea is characterized by the appearance of severe painful sensations in the lower abdomen during menstruation. Dysmenorrhea can also be accompanied by weakness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, xerostomia (dry mouth), and sometimes fainting. Sometimes with dysmenorrhea, body temperature can rise to 38ºC. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vaginal mucosa. The main symptom of vaginitis is an unpleasant sensation in the vagina. Other manifestations of vaginitis include swelling, itching and redness of the external genitalia. In some cases, there may be heavy vaginal discharge.

Digestive system disorders

Having an effect on the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, loratadine can lead to various inflammatory processes in them. Most often, these side effects are short-lived, but in rare cases, serious pathologies may occur while taking this antiallergic medication. The following side effects from the digestive tract are distinguished: Xerostomia is a condition in which there is a strong decrease in salivation and which is subjectively manifested by a feeling of dry mouth. If xerostomia continues for a long time, it can cause infectious diseases of the oral cavity. This is due to a decrease in the production of the antibacterial enzyme lysozyme, which is found in saliva. Stomatitis is characterized by damage to the oral mucosa. This disease is characterized by symptoms such as swelling and soreness of the mucous membrane, as well as the presence of a yellow or white coating on it. Often with stomatitis, there is increased salivation (hypersalivation), as well as increased bleeding of the gums. Gastritis is inflammation of the gastric mucosa. When taking medications, gastritis, as a rule, occurs acutely and is accompanied by hyperemia of the mucous membrane (redness of the mucosa due to a rush of arterial blood), penetration of white blood cells into it (infiltration of leukocytes), as well as dystrophic changes in the epithelium of the stomach (surface layer of the mucosa) . Flatulence is an excessive accumulation of gases in the intestines. The main manifestation of flatulence is bloating. Jaundice is a pathological condition in which the skin and mucous membranes turn yellow. This condition occurs due to damage to liver tissue, which causes bilirubin (bile pigment) to enter the blood and tissues. The accumulation of bilirubin in tissues causes them to turn yellow. Liver necrosis is the total destruction of liver cells (necrosis). Only a certain part of the liver, which has clear boundaries, undergoes necrosis. This zone subsequently degenerates into connective tissue (scar) and can no longer perform its functions.

Other side effects

The following side effects may also occur after taking loratadine:

• painful sensations in the mammary glands;
• increased sweating;
• dry hair;
• dry skin;
• general malaise;
• chills;
• increased body temperature above 37ºС;
• alopecia.

Alopecia is a pathological loss of hair on the scalp or, in some cases, on the trunk. Most often, hair falls out evenly over the entire surface of the scalp. This is due to damage to the hair root. If the hair papilla, which is part of the root, dies, then hair cannot grow in this place in the future.

Indications for use

Loratadine should not be taken by children who have an increased sensitivity to certain components of the drug. There is no data on contraindications for antihistamines during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in children under 1 year of age. Therefore, Loratadine is recommended for children and pregnant women in cases where the expected result exceeds possible negative manifestations.

In case of severe pathologies of the kidneys and liver, the dosage of Loratadine tablets should be reduced.

To avoid obtaining unreliable results when conducting diagnostic tests or provocative tests, the drug should be discontinued no later than 2 days before the test.

The list of diseases that Loratadine can treat is quite extensive; what does this drug help with?

The product is aimed at combating the following diseases:

• hives;
• serum type disease;
• rhinitis caused by an allergic reaction;
• conjunctivitis;
• dermatitis;
• bronchial asthma caused by an allergic manifestation that is non-infectious in nature;
• an allergic reaction caused by taking certain medications;
• Quincke's edema.

The drug is able to effectively combat allergic manifestations that are caused by the bites of various insects. In this case, it is possible to eliminate the symptoms in literally 20 minutes. Seasonal and persistent allergic rhinitis can be treated. In addition, Loratadine can be used for watery eyes that are caused by an allergic reaction.

Loratadine belongs to a group of drugs that can very rarely cause side effects. However, there are cases when patients face this problem. They are accompanied by the following symptomatic manifestations:

• nausea;
• vomit;
• dry mouth.

Like other medications, these tablets may be contraindicated for some patients. It is necessary to ensure that there is no hypersensitivity to the active and auxiliary components included in the drug. Women who are breastfeeding should not take the drug.

Children under 2 years of age should not use this treatment option. During pregnancy, taking this drug is most often not recommended. A therapeutic course is carried out only when the result of treatment far exceeds the possible negative impact on the unborn baby. Therefore, doctors in most cases prefer safer drugs.

Loratadine tablets and syrup, as the instructions say, can be used for:

• Seasonal and year-round acute hay fever;
• Atopic conjunctivitis;
• Chronic rhinitis, nasopharyngitis and pharyngitis;
• Allergic asthma;
• Atopic dermatitis;
• Contact dermatitis;
• Itching of the skin and mucous membranes of the nasopharynx;
• Hives;
• Allergies of unspecified etymology.

Hay fever

Hay fever can be considered the scourge of the 21st century. According to WHO, compared to the 20th century, the frequency of allergic reactions that appear depending on the season has become several times higher. Symptoms of hay fever include inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, eyes, throat, itching and urticaria.

Basophils are cells of the human immune system that are found in almost any tissue. The consequence of the reaction is the release of histamine - the “inflammatory hormone”. The cell captures it with its histamine receptors, which transmit a signal about the onset of inflammation.

As a result, the cell swells, increases in size and releases fluid into the intercellular matrix. The affected area swells and redness appears. Nerve receptors are excited, itching appears. All this leads to common allergy symptoms. In acute cases, tissue can increase tenfold. Depending on the location of the lesion, the condition can be completely different.

Conjunctivitis occurs when an allergen gets into the eyes. The tearfulness of the eye increases and itching appears. The eyelids and tissues surrounding the eye may swell. Due to constant tearing, temporary vision impairment may occur. Rhinitis is an allergic reaction of the nasal mucosa and nasal choanae to inhalation of an allergen. Mucus is released and the nose itches.

Conjunctivitis and rhinitis are the most common signs of seasonal allergies, developing as a response to pollen during the flowering period.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis can be a manifestation not only seasonal, but also permanent. It manifests itself as redness and peeling of the skin. This can be a reaction to food, medicine or animal dander. Pharyngitis can also occur from food or animal dander. Its anatomical essence is a narrowing of the folds of the pharynx, which can lead to coughing, loss of voice, and even Quincke's edema.

Asthma is a consequence of allergen entering the bronchi of the lungs. The cells of the bronchus expand and occupy all available space, preventing a person from exhaling. In the absence of primary asthmatic disorders of the bronchus, an allergic reaction will not cause complete cessation of breathing, but can seriously complicate breathing, cause wheezing and coughing.

Hives are also a response to allergens. It is expressed in redness of the skin, which looks like nettle “bites”. Appear on the back, chest, arms, hips.

Allergies can also be unidentified - the allergen can arise situationally. Perhaps it could be a certain chemical that came into the child’s environment or a purchased flower. If it is impossible to determine the cause of the allergen, maintenance therapy is prescribed.

Doctors indicate renal failure as the main contraindication for syrup and tablets. Antihistamines reduce the amount of urine excreted, which is already not high in this pathology, which can lead to increased intoxication of the body and severe clinical consequences.

For what pathologies is it prescribed?

Loratadine is prescribed for various allergic reactions. It should be used starting from the age of two. Use of loratadine

Active substance

The main element of the drug, which has a direct antihistamine effect, is loratadine. It was thanks to him that the drug got its name. Loratadine has proven itself to be an effective anti-allergic substance, so many doctors recommend taking Loratadine for children and adults.

Each tablet of the drug consists of 10 mg of the main medicinal element (loratadine) and auxiliary components: lactose, propylene glycol, glycerin, citric acid, sorbitol solution, methyl parahydroxybenzoate and purified water. Depending on the manufacturer, the composition of Loratadine for children may vary slightly, but the main component will always be the same.

Release form

Loratadine is a drug that is produced by many pharmacological companies. The composition of the drug may differ slightly, but all such products have one active substance.

In pharmacies, Loratadine can be purchased for children in different formats:

• Pills. They are round pills, white, odorless, with a score. Usually packaged in blasters with individual cells. Each package contains 10 pieces;
• Syrups. A light yellow liquid, which is transparent and slightly thick. It has a pleasant fruit and berry aroma and sweet taste. Loratadine syrup for children is available in different bottles - 50, 100 or 120 ml. Each bottle is accompanied by an annotation containing information about the drug and method of use, a measuring spoon or glass, with the help of which the prescribed dosage of Loratadine is determined. It is much more convenient to give the drug in this form to young children.
• Effervescent, quickly dissolving tablets. The drug is available in plastic tubes, each of which contains 10 large pills.

About overdose and interactions with other medications

Loratadine syrup can be taken from two years of age. The dose is calculated based on body weight. The syrup comes with a measuring spoon for 5 milliliters of the drug. Children from one to 6 years old, weighing less than 30 kilograms, should be given 1 spoon once a day. Children aged 6 years and older, weighing 30 kilograms or more, are given 2 scoops of the drug once a day.

Loratadine tablets should be taken at least 1 hour before meals. The dosage is also calculated based on age and body weight. Children aged from one to 12 years, weighing up to 30 kilograms, should be given half a tablet or 5 milligrams of the substance per day, and those weighing more than 30 kilograms should be given 1 tablet per day. At the same time, attending physicians sometimes advise dividing the intake of the substance into two or three doses.

The maximum permissible and verified dosage per day for syrup and tablets is 10 milligrams. If you do not have the opportunity to consult with a doctor, start from this dosage and try not to exceed it in any case.

An overdose is undesirable, as it occurs very brightly. In this case, the following problems can be diagnosed:

• drowsiness;
• Strong headache;
• the heart rate increases.

If a patient experiences such symptoms after taking the drug, they should immediately seek medical help. Otherwise, the patient's condition will worsen.

Loratadine should not be taken in parallel with other medications:

• Erythromycin;
• Ketoconazole;
• Cimetidine.

In human blood, the concentration of the active component becomes higher, which negatively affects the therapeutic effect. When using the drug in combination with other drugs, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of its interaction with them. There is a possibility of transformation in the blood of the main or additional components of agents that inhibit certain isoenzymes. This applies to drugs that are metabolized in the liver.

With simultaneous treatment with Loratadine and inducers of microsomal oxidation, the effectiveness of the drug, which eliminates allergic reactions, decreases. Among such medications are phenytoin, tricyclic antidepressants, ethanol, zixorin, and barbiturates.

If during administration the dosage of Loratadine prescribed by the pediatrician is increased, this can lead to neurological and movement disorders, drowsiness, and headaches. If an error in dosage is detected, you need to provoke a gag reflex and give the child a sorbent. If the condition worsens, call an ambulance.

The mechanism of therapeutic action of the drug

Loratadine is a second generation antiallergic drug. This drug has the ability to block histamine H-1 receptors located in smooth muscles, in blood vessels and in the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). By acting on histamine receptors, loratadine blocks them, which significantly narrows the lumen of blood vessels and reduces the severity of tissue swelling, itching and redness of the skin (erythema). It is histamine that is responsible for various manifestations of allergic reactions. The therapeutic effect after taking loratadine occurs 2–3 hours after its use, and the maximum effect occurs after 9–10 hours. The duration of the effect is, on average, 24 hours. Loratadine, unlike first-generation antihistamines (antiallergic) medications, is not able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (the barrier between the cells of the brain and the circulatory system) and, thus, cannot directly affect the human nervous system. It is also not addictive. Loratadine tablets are absorbed quite quickly into the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. The maximum concentration of the drug in the blood is reached approximately two to two and a half hours after administration. It is worth noting that food intake has a slight effect on the absorption of the medication (increases the time for the onset of the maximum concentration of the medication in the blood by 60 minutes), but still, it is best to take it before meals. Loratadine is metabolized in liver cells. The medication is excreted in the urine and feces in equal proportions. Loratadine can pass into breast milk and, accordingly, can enter the baby's body during breastfeeding. In case of damage to the liver tissue, the concentration of the active metabolite (a substance that is formed after the biotransformation of the drug in the liver) in the blood doubles, so in this case the required dose is reduced by 50%.

When is it prescribed?

Loratadine has an anti-allergic effect. Relieves the main signs of allergies within 30 minutes after consumption and is effective for 24 hours. Does not cause dependence or addiction. An antihistamine is recommended for the manifestation of allergic responses of the body in the form of:

• swelling;
• red spots;
• itching;
• allergic rhinitis, dermatitis and conjunctivitis;
• inflammation of the mucous membranes;
• itching and swelling from insect bites.

The drug is often recommended as a means to eliminate the occurrence of drug allergies, so Loratadine can be given to a child before vaccination.

Terms of sale

5 years.

The medication is sold freely in pharmacies, without presenting a prescription from a medical institution or a special prescription from the attending physician.

It is recommended to store the medication Loratadine out of reach of children at a temperature not exceeding 25 ºС. The shelf life of the medicine is two years from the date of manufacture. The instructions for use state that after the expiration date the medicine cannot be used and it must be disposed of in accordance with sanitary standards. The instructions contain detailed information about the rules and regulations for storing the drug in open and sealed form.

How it works

The active substance of the drug localizes H1-histamine receptors. Retains histamine and leukotriene in tissues. Blocks spasms of smooth muscles, reduces the conductivity of capillary walls and prevents the appearance of edema. Does not affect the nervous system. Does not cause addiction.

Absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Full saturation of the blood plasma with the drug occurs after 60-120 minutes, and the optimal effectiveness of the drug occurs 6-8 hours after use. Food present in the stomach may slightly delay the absorption of the active substance. Excreted by the kidneys and bile ducts after 20-24 hours.

Pharmacological action of Loratadine

The medicine blocks the action of histamine H1 receptors, which are located in smooth muscle tissue, the spinal cord and brain, blood vessels and are responsible for the occurrence of allergies and immune reactions of the body. By suppressing the functioning of receptors, the medicine slows down the process of synthesis of histamine and leukotriene C4. This prevents the appearance of allergic manifestations and eliminates all associated symptoms - itching, swelling, hyperemia of the skin, inflammatory processes.

Loratadine tablets begin to act 30 minutes after administration, effervescent tablets and syrup - after 10-20 minutes. A noticeable result in the form of a weakening of allergies can be seen within a few hours. Basically, the effect of taking the drug reaches its maximum after 8-10 hours, the effect persists throughout the day after use.

Loratadine has no hypnotic effect, is not addictive and does not affect the functioning of the central nervous system. The active substance is completely excreted in bile, urine and feces. On average, the half-life is up to 8 hours.

The medicine has the following effects on the body: antiallergic, antipruritic, antiexudative (reduces capillary permeability), antiedematous, antispasmodic.

Analogues, what can be combined with and what cannot

Effective analogues of this remedy include:

• claritin;
• loragexal;
• loratadine-acriquine;
• Loratadine Teva.

Sometimes loratadine is combined with antibacterial agents. This combination is permissible only under the supervision of a specialist. In some cases, such combinations provoke a decrease in the effectiveness of drugs. This is due to the fact that the same enzyme systems are responsible for metabolism in the liver.

Substances such as rifampicin and erythromycin can reduce the effectiveness of loratadine. If an allergy develops while using antibiotics, you need to abandon this drug and choose another one.

Analogue – Suprastin

Loratadine and Suprastin are often compared. Suprastin tablets have a similar effect; the instructions for both drugs do not advise taking them for up to a year. However, Suprastin has a more specific use and more severe consequences of overdose, so in this case you can lean towards Loratadine.

When deciding to take Suprastin or Loratadine syrup, you must be aware that the instructions do not provide comprehensive information.

The price of Suprastin is higher than the price of Loratadine, however, before giving it to children under one year of age, you should consult a doctor.