Antihistamines are medications widely administered for treating allergic reactions. Conditions such meds treat include flu, common cold, allergic rhinitis – to name a few. Many forms of antihistamines are available through self-medication or over the counter routes. People take these meds on their own to decongest their nasal passages and for conditions like sneezing. Most antihistamines are taken for a very short span of time. Loratadine is one of the popular antihistamines. Do you know if you can take loratadine and alcohol? It is helpful to know more.
The genre of meds that oppose actions of receptors of histamine is labelled as antihistamines. This genre has two (2) broad sub-categories namely H1 antihistamines and H2 antihistamines. The former sub-genre treats runny nose, itchiness as well as sneezing. As an extended use, H1 antihistamines are taken for vertigo, sleeplessness and motion sickness. On the other hand, H2 antihistamines are widely used for conditions of the upper gastric tract. Your treating doctor may prescribe such meds for treating heartburn and ulcers in your stomach.
Antihistamines can prevent flaring and internal swelling. Drugs belonging to a genre called 2nd generation antihistamines are made with a few added benefits; key among them is lesser level of sedation as well as limited crossing of the brain-blood barrier. However, at higher dosage strength – these drugs work on your central nervous system (CNS) and may cause acute levels of dizziness.
What is loratadine?
This is an antihistamine which act on H1 receptors. It is available as an oral formulation. Key ingredients are absorbed at the gastric tract with relative ease. The drug reaches its potential within 100 minutes from the time of dosing. Its half-life extends from 5 to 18 hours. Most of its remnants are discharged through your urine.
Loratadine
Loratadine possesses the approval of the US-based federal agency – food & drug administration (FDA); this approval was obtained in the early 1990s. Once it came from the patented regime – in early 2000s – it is increasingly used through the self-medication route.
Loratadine 10 mg and alcohol
It is unsafe to take alcohol along with antihistamines like loratadine 10 mg. As both these substances work as depressants of your central nervous system (CNS), combining them can make you sleepy and tired. Uses who mixed loratadine and alcohol also complained of weakness, inability to remain focused, difficulties in coordination, etc.
First generation antihistamines such as benadryl are known to interact very adversely with alcohol. However, second generation antihistamines – like loratadine – may not cause very adverse side effects as benadryl. But this does not mean that you can mix alcohol and loratadine.
Severity of side effects of mixing loratadine 10 mg and alcohol varies from one individual to another. How acute these effects can turn into depend upon other health conditions, sex as well as age. In general, elderly people and females tend to experience acute level of adverse interactions.
In this light, it becomes essential to tell your doctor of your other medical conditions. Those who live with conditions like diabetes mellitus, cardiac ailments, hepatic disorders, etc. need to tell their physician of such problems. Also, if you are living with periodic spells of convulsions or epileptic fits, your caregiving team must stay aware of such episodes and how frequently they occur.
It is equally essential to know of other likely interactions with loratadine; for instance, those who take anticonvulsants like carbamazepine and antifungals such as ketoconazole are informed of counterproductive interactions. If you notice excessive levels of sleepiness and tiredness, call your treating doctor with immediate effect. In the US, you may dial 911, and in Canada reach out to a poison management cell functioning closer to where you reside.
Last but not least, talk to your caregiver or a certified pharmacist of the adverse effects of mixing loratadine and alcohol prior to combining them.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Nursing (MSN) from Johns Hopkins University. Experience: 7 years writing for online health portals and nursing journals, specializing in patient education and chronic illness management.
