Generic
Loratadine + Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
11 brands available in the market
At a glance
Loratadine + Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride is a combination medicine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Loratadine acts as an antiallergic and Pseudoephedrine acts as a decongestant by constricting small blood vessels in the nose.
Description
Loratadine + Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride is a combination of two medicines: Loratadine and Pseudoephedrine. Loratadine is a non-sedative antihistamine that blocks the action of histamine, relieving runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine that causes vasoconstriction by directly stimulating α-adrenergic receptors of the respiratory mucosa, providing temporary relief from nasal congestion.
Indications
- Allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose)
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Sinus congestion and pressure
Therapeutic class
Anti-histamine & Decongestant
Pharmacological class
H1 Receptor Antagonist + α-Adrenergic Agonist
Pharmacology
Loratadine blocks H1 receptors to relieve allergy symptoms; Pseudoephedrine stimulates α-adrenergic receptors to cause vasoconstriction and relieve nasal congestion.
Mechanism of action
Relieves allergy symptoms and decongests the nose.
Dosage
Adult and 12 years+:
- 5/120 tablet: One tablet twice daily (every 12 hours)
- 10/240 tablet: One tablet once daily (in the morning, not at night)
Renal Impairment (GFR <30 mL/min): Lower initial dose (5/120 once daily or 10/240 every alternate day)
Administration
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
- May be taken with or without food, but at a fixed time is preferable
- Take at the same time each day
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Restlessness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
Precautions & warnings
- Caution when driving or doing activities requiring concentration (may cause mild drowsiness or dizziness)
- Avoid alcohol (may cause excessive drowsiness)
- Caution in hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, increased intraocular pressure, hyperthyroidism, renal impairment
- Generally avoid in hepatic insufficiency
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to any component of this product
- Patients taking MAO inhibitors or within 2 weeks of stopping
Drug interactions
- Contraindicated in patients taking MAO inhibitors (and for 2 weeks after stopping)
- May reduce antihypertensive effects of beta-blockers, methyldopa, reserpine
- Increased ectopic pacemaker activity with digitalis
- Erythromycin, ketoconazole, cimetidine increase loratadine plasma concentrations
Food interactions
Loratadine + Pseudoephedrine may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: No data available on use in pregnancy (Category B); consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Loratadine + Pseudoephedrine is probably safe during breastfeeding; limited human data suggests no significant risk to the baby. However, both drugs individually pass into breast milk.
Pediatric use
Safety and effectiveness in children below 12 years have not been established.
Geriatric use
Safety and efficacy in patients greater than 60 years have not been investigated; elderly are more likely to have adverse reactions to sympathomimetic amines.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution in kidney disease; lower initial dose needed (GFR <30 mL/min); not recommended in severe kidney disease.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed.
Overdose effects
Overdose: emesis (ipecac syrup), activated charcoal, gastric lavage; symptomatic and supportive treatment.
Storage conditions
Store at a cool and dry place, away from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Loratadine + Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride