loratadine
Loratadine is used to treat allergy symptoms: sneezing runny nose itching of the nose or throat red, itchy, or watery eyes Loratadine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Decisions about medication use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking loratadine affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
According to the MotherToBaby fact sheet, it is not known whether loratadine can make it harder to get pregnant. One animal study did not report problems getting pregnant in females exposed to loratadine. Anyone with concerns about fertility and medication use should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
Does taking loratadine increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons. The fact sheet notes that a study of 163 loratadine exposures during the first trimester did not show an increased chance of miscarriage. Personal questions about miscarriage risk are best discussed with a healthcare provider.
Does taking loratadine increase the risk of birth defects?
The fact sheet states that taking loratadine is not expected to increase the chance of birth defects. An early study raised a possible link to hypospadias, but later studies did not confirm this, and the original researchers concluded those cases were likely due to chance or other factors. Decisions about using loratadine in pregnancy should be made together with a healthcare provider.
Can taking loratadine during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
According to the fact sheet, studies of loratadine use in pregnancy have not reported an increased chance of pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery or low birth weight. Any specific concerns about pregnancy complications should be reviewed with a healthcare provider.
Can taking loratadine during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
The fact sheet indicates that studies have not been done to see whether loratadine can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues in the child. Because this question has not been studied, it is best discussed with a healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking loratadine?
The fact sheet notes that loratadine passes into breast milk in small amounts and that the amount is too low to cause problems for most babies; it is described as one of the preferred antihistamines during breastfeeding because it is less likely to cause drowsiness. It also mentions that loratadine might decrease milk supply, especially when combined with other medications, and that any symptoms in the baby (such as being too sleepy) should be reported to the child's healthcare provider. Individual decisions about breastfeeding and loratadine should be made with a healthcare provider.
Source: National Library of Medicine
loratadine