Itchlor is an established, guideline-supported treatment for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal (hay fever) and perennial allergic rhinitis, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat. Itchlor works alone (monotherapy) for these symptoms and does not require combination therapy for typical seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis.

Chronic Urticaria (Hives)

Itchlor is established and guideline-recommended as a first-line option for chronic idiopathic urticaria, reducing the number, size, and itch of hives. Some patients with inadequate response may require dose adjustment or add-on therapy under a doctor's supervision (requires-combination-therapy in refractory cases) — this is a decision for the prescribing physician, not a self-directed change.

Other Allergic Skin Conditions

Itchlor may provide adjunct symptomatic relief of itching in other allergic skin conditions, but Itchlor is not a primary treatment for the underlying skin disease itself and should be used alongside, not instead of, condition-specific therapy directed by a doctor.

Off-Label Uses

Itchlor has limited off-label use (for example, adjunct management of certain drug-induced skin reactions or bone pain associated with certain treatments), based on small studies or case reports only; these uses are not FDA-approved and should only be considered under specialist guidance.

Composition

Each tablet contains Loratadine USP 10 mg. (Oral suspension formulations of Loratadine contain 5 mg/5 mL where locally marketed.)

Description

Itchlor is a widely used, non-sedating antihistamine that helps relieve the sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes caused by seasonal and year-round allergies. Itchlor is also commonly used to reduce the itching and hives of chronic urticaria. Because Itchlor does not readily enter the brain at usual doses, Itchlor is far less likely than older antihistamines to cause drowsiness. Itchlor is taken once daily and is available both on prescription and over the counter in Bangladesh. As with any medicine, Itchlor should be taken as directed by a healthcare professional or the product label.

Therapeutic Class

Antihistamine (second-generation, non-sedating, selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonist)

Pharmacology

Loratadine is rapidly absorbed after oral administration and is extensively bound to plasma proteins. Loratadine undergoes extensive first-pass hepatic metabolism, mainly via the CYP3A4 and, to a lesser extent, CYP2D6 enzyme pathways, to form the active metabolite desloratadine. The elimination half-life of Loratadine itself is approximately 8 hours, while desloratadine has a much longer half-life of roughly 24-28 hours, which supports the once-daily dosing of Loratadine. Loratadine and desloratadine are eliminated in approximately equal proportions in the urine and feces, largely as conjugated metabolites.

Dosage & Administration of Itchlor

Dosing of Itchlor should always be determined by a healthcare professional and is not the same for every patient — the correct regimen depends on the indication being treated, the patient's age, and organ function. The general regimens below reflect commonly recommended dosing but do not replace individualized medical advice.

Administration of Itchlor

Itchlor tablets can be taken with or without food, generally at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablet with a glass of water; an orally disintegrating tablet form, if dispensed, should be allowed to dissolve on the tongue rather than chewed or swallowed whole.
Itchlor oral suspension should be measured using the calibrated device provided, not a household spoon.
Do not take more than one dose of Itchlor in a 24-hour period unless a doctor has directed otherwise.
If a dose of Itchlor is missed, take the missed dose when remembered unless the next scheduled dose is almost due; do not double the dose.

Interaction of Itchlor

CYP3A4/CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, cimetidine): these medicines can raise blood levels of Itchlor by inhibiting the liver enzymes that break Itchlor down; in clinical studies this increased Itchlor plasma concentrations without a corresponding increase in sedation or other adverse effects, but caution and medical advice are still recommended when combining these agents with Itchlor.
Central nervous system depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids, sedating antihistamines, alcohol): although Itchlor itself is minimally sedating, combining Itchlor with other CNS depressants may still add to drowsiness in some individuals, and caution is advised.
Other H1-antihistamines or histamine-based therapies: combining Itchlor with other antihistamine products is generally unnecessary and can increase the risk of side effects without added benefit; discuss any such combination with a doctor or pharmacist.

Contraindications

Loratadine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Loratadine or to any component of the Loratadine formulation.

Side Effects of Itchlor

Common Side Effects

Headache, dry mouth, fatigue or tiredness, and gastrointestinal upset (such as nausea, abdominal discomfort) have been reported with Itchlor, generally at rates similar to placebo in clinical trials. Mild drowsiness can occur in some people even though Itchlor is classed as non-sedating.

Serious Side Effects — Seek Medical Attention

Seek prompt medical attention if any of the following occur with use of Itchlor: signs of an allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing); fast or irregular heartbeat; or fainting. These reactions are uncommon but require urgent evaluation. See Precautions and Warnings and Overdose Effects for further detail.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy

Human pregnancy data on Itchlor are more extensive than for many other allergy medicines and are generally reassuring: several cohort and case-control studies, including large birth-defect surveillance data, have not found an increased risk of major birth defects (including an earlier reported hypospadias signal that was not confirmed in later, larger studies) or of miscarriage with first-trimester use of Itchlor. This differs from some older manufacturer labeling that classified Itchlor use in pregnancy as “not recommended unless clearly needed” based on limited data available at the time. Itchlor should still only be used in pregnancy if a doctor decides Itchlor is needed, since no medicine can be called completely risk-free in pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Itchlor and desItchlor, the active metabolite of Itchlor, pass into breast milk in small amounts. Available data suggest the amount is too low to be expected to cause problems in most breastfed infants, and Itchlor is often considered a preferred antihistamine choice during breastfeeding because Itchlor is less sedating than older agents. There is a theoretical possibility that Itchlor, particularly combined with other medicines, could reduce milk supply in some mothers; a doctor should be consulted, especially if milk supply concerns arise.

Precautions & Warnings

Liver or kidney disease: Itchlor is broken down by the liver and cleared partly by the kidneys, so patients with significant hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment may need a reduced dosing frequency; consult a doctor before use — see Use in Special Populations.
Driving or operating machinery: although Itchlor is classed as non-sedating and has performed comparably to placebo on driving and psychomotor tests in studies, individual sensitivity varies, and caution is advised until a person knows how Itchlor affects them.
Known allergy to antihistamines: people with a prior allergic reaction to Itchlor or similar antihistamines should avoid Itchlor and inform their doctor or pharmacist.
Use in young children: safety and effectiveness of Itchlor have not been well established in children younger than 2 years; use in this age group should only occur under a pediatrician's direction — see Use in Special Populations.
Self-medication limits: if allergy symptoms do not improve after several days of Itchlor use, or worsen, or are accompanied by fever, a doctor should be consulted rather than continuing to increase or extend Itchlor use on one's own.

Overdose Effects of Itchlor

Reported effects of Itchlor overdose in adults have most commonly included drowsiness, fast heartbeat (tachycardia), and headache. In children, overdose has been associated with effects such as fast heartbeat and, less commonly, movement (extrapyramidal-type) symptoms; most reported pediatric ingestions have caused only mild, transient changes in vital signs. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically directed to do so by a doctor or Poison Control. If an overdose of Itchlor is suspected, contact a doctor, hospital emergency department, or a Poison Control Center immediately for guidance; treatment is generally supportive and may include activated charcoal if given soon after ingestion, under medical supervision.

Storage Conditions

Store according to the instructions on the Itchlor product label, generally at room temperature, away from excess heat, moisture, and direct light, and always out of the reach of children.

Use In Special Populations

Children

Itchlor is approved for use from 2 years of age for allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria, with a lower dose (5 mg once daily) used for children 2 to under 6 years and the adult dose (10 mg once daily) from 6 years. Use in children younger than 2 years is not established and should only be undertaken on a pediatrician's specific advice — see Pediatric Uses for detail.

Elderly

Studies have not shown significant differences in the effectiveness or overall safety profile of Itchlor between elderly and younger adults; no routine dose adjustment based on age alone is required, though age-related decline in liver or kidney function should be considered (see Renal and Hepatic Impairment below).

Renal Impairment

In patients with severe renal impairment, clearance of Itchlor and desItchlor, the active metabolite of Itchlor, is reduced. A reduced-frequency dosing regimen (such as giving the usual age-appropriate dose every other day) is commonly recommended in this situation, but the exact adjustment should be individualized by the prescribing doctor rather than self-directed.

Hepatic Impairment

Because Itchlor is extensively metabolized by the liver, patients with significant hepatic impairment can have higher and longer-lasting blood levels of Itchlor. A reduced-frequency regimen similar to that used in renal impairment is commonly recommended, under a doctor's direction.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

See Pregnancy and Lactation for detailed guidance; use should be directed by a treating doctor.

Duration Of Treatment

For seasonal allergic rhinitis, Itchlor is typically used for the duration of the pollen season or as long as symptoms persist, and can be used intermittently as needed. For perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria, Itchlor may be used continuously for extended periods under medical supervision, with the doctor periodically reviewing whether ongoing treatment is still needed. Itchlor is not intended for symptoms lasting beyond a few days without medical evaluation unless a doctor has specifically advised longer-term use.

Drug Classes

Second-generation (non-sedating) antihistamine; H1-receptor antagonist.

Mode Of Action

Loratadine selectively blocks peripheral histamine H1 receptors, preventing histamine released during an allergic reaction from binding and triggering symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and increased vascular permeability (which causes swelling and watery discharge). Because Loratadine penetrates the blood-brain barrier only minimally at usual doses, Loratadine produces little to no central H1-receptor blockade, which is why Loratadine is classed as a non-sedating antihistamine compared with older, first-generation agents.

Pediatric Uses

Itchlor is approved for children 2 years of age and older for allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria. Children 2 to under 6 years are generally given 5 mg of Itchlor once daily (using a liquid formulation appropriate for the child's age), while children 6 years and older receive the same 10 mg once-daily dose used in adults. Safety and effectiveness of Itchlor in children younger than 2 years have not been well established, and current pediatric guidance does not support routine use below this age outside of specific direction from a pediatrician. Parents should use only the measuring device supplied with any Itchlor liquid formulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Itchlor 10 mg Tablet used for?

Itchlor 10 mg Tablet is used to relieve symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy watery eyes, and to reduce itching and hives associated with chronic urticaria.

How should Itchlor 10 mg Tablet be taken?

Itchlor 10 mg Tablet is usually taken as one tablet by mouth once daily, with or without food. The exact dose of Itchlor 10 mg Tablet depends on age and the condition being treated, so Itchlor 10 mg Tablet should be taken as directed by a doctor or the product label.

Can children take Itchlor 10 mg Tablet?

Yes, Itchlor 10 mg Tablet is approved for children 2 years of age and older, usually at a lower dose (5 mg) for children under 6 years. Itchlor 10 mg Tablet is not recommended for children younger than 2 years unless specifically directed by a pediatrician.

Is Itchlor 10 mg Tablet safe during pregnancy?

Human data on Itchlor 10 mg Tablet use in pregnancy are relatively reassuring compared with many other medicines, without a confirmed increase in birth defects across larger studies, but Itchlor 10 mg Tablet should still only be used in pregnancy if a doctor advises that Itchlor 10 mg Tablet is needed, since no medicine is entirely without theoretical risk.

Can Itchlor 10 mg Tablet be taken while breastfeeding?

Small amounts of Itchlor 10 mg Tablet pass into breast milk, but available data suggest this is unlikely to affect most breastfed infants, and Itchlor 10 mg Tablet is often preferred over more sedating antihistamines during breastfeeding; a doctor should still be consulted, particularly if milk supply concerns arise.

Does Itchlor 10 mg Tablet interact with other medicines?

The blood levels of Itchlor 10 mg Tablet can be raised by certain medicines such as ketoconazole, erythromycin, or cimetidine, and combining Itchlor 10 mg Tablet with other sedating medicines or alcohol may add to drowsiness in some people. Always tell a doctor or pharmacist about all medicines being taken alongside Itchlor 10 mg Tablet.

What are the common side effects of Itchlor 10 mg Tablet?

The most commonly reported side effects of Itchlor 10 mg Tablet include headache, dry mouth, fatigue, and mild stomach upset; these occur at rates similar to placebo in most studies. Serious allergic reactions are uncommon but require immediate medical attention.

Can Itchlor 10 mg Tablet be taken with milk?

Yes, Itchlor 10 mg Tablet can generally be taken with milk or other food, or on an empty stomach — food does not meaningfully affect how Itchlor 10 mg Tablet works. Follow the specific instructions on the Itchlor 10 mg Tablet product label or from a doctor.

What should be done if too much Itchlor 10 mg Tablet is taken?

If an overdose of Itchlor 10 mg Tablet is suspected, do not induce vomiting unless told to by a medical professional, and contact a doctor, hospital, or Poison Control Center right away, since overdose can cause drowsiness, a fast heartbeat, or headache, and children may show other effects requiring evaluation.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.