In adults, somnolence, tachycardia, and headache have been reported with overdoses greater than 10 mg with the Tablet formulation (40 mg-180 mg). Extrapyramidal signs and palpitations have been reported in children with overdoses of greater than 10 mg of CLARITIN (loratadine) Syrup. In the event of overdosage, general symptomatic and supportive measures should be instituted promptly and maintained for as long as necessary.

Treatment of overdosage would reasonably consist of emesis (ipecac syrup), except in patients with impaired consciousness, followed by the administration of activated charcoal to absorb any remaining drug. If vomiting is unsuccessful, or contraindicated, gastric lavage should be performed with normal saline. Saline cathartics may also be of value for rapid dilution of bowel contents. Loratadine is not eliminated by hemodialysis. It is not known if loratadine is eliminated by peritoneal dialysis.

No deaths occurred at oral doses up to 5000 mg/kg in mice (approximately 1200 and 1400 times, respectively, the maximum recommended daily oral dose in adults and children on a mg/m²basis). No deaths occurred at oral doses up to 5000 mg/kg in matured rats (approximately 2400 and 2900 times, respectively, the maximum recommended daily oral dose in adults and children on a mg/m²basis). However, lethality occurred in juvenile rats at an oral dose of 125 mg/kg (approximately 100 and 70 times, respectively, the maximum recommended daily oral dose in adults and children on a mg/m²basis). No deaths occurred at oral doses up to 1280 mg/kg in monkeys (approximately 2100 and 1500 times, respectively, the maximum recommended daily oral dose in adults and children on a mg/m²basis).

CLARITIN (loratadine) is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to this medication or to any of its ingredients.

Last reviewed on RxList: 11/6/2007
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.