Adults

The usual adult dose of Loratadine is 10 mg once daily. For Larocent 25 mg capsule, the recommended dose is 25 mg once daily, or as directed by a physician, particularly for more severe symptoms or specific formulations.

Elderly

No dosage adjustment is generally required for elderly patients with normal renal and hepatic function. For patients with significant impairment, a starting dose of 10 mg every other day is often advised for standard Loratadine, which may need adjustment for 25 mg.

Renal_impairment

For patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min), a starting dose of 10 mg every other day is recommended for standard Loratadine. For 25 mg, caution and physician consultation are advised.

Onset

Within 1-3 hours

Excretion

Approximately 40% excreted in urine and 42% in feces over a 10-day period, primarily as conjugated metabolites.

Half life

Plasma half-life: 8.4 hours (range 3-20 hours). Descarboethoxyloratadine (active metabolite) half-life: 28 hours (range 8.8-92 hours).

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed after oral administration. Food may slightly delay absorption but does not significantly affect overall bioavailability.

Metabolism

Extensively metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 3A4 and 2D6 to descarboethoxyloratadine (active metabolite).

Cimetidine, Ketoconazole, Erythromycin

May increase plasma concentrations of Loratadine and its active metabolite, though usually without clinical significance.

Other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, sedatives)

Loratadine has minimal sedative effects, but caution is advised when co-administered with other CNS depressants.