Loratadine does not raise the levels of glucose in your blood. Certain formulations of loratadine, however, utilize other substances that may raise glucose levels in your blood. If you are diabetic or have an intolerance to glucose, you should therefore understand the specific formulation of loratadine before taking this medication.
Loratadine
Loratadine is a drug classified as an oral nonsedative H1 blocker. H1 refers to the histamine 1 receptor. The amino acid histidine forms histamine in your body. When there's an allergic reaction, you body produces a protein called IgE. Your body's mast cells store histamine. During an allergic reaction these mast cells release the histamine, causing stuffy nose, hives, and most of the symptoms associated with allergic reactions such as inflammation, redness and itching. Loratadine blocks the site at which histamine interacts with tissue. In other words, it blocks the effects of the histamine. Loratadine is also considered nonsedative because it takes more time and effort for it to enter the brain.
Loratadine Composition
Loratadine composition varies according to the manufacturer. It is important to look at the box or ask a medical professional about the specific loratadine composition before using the product. In some loratadine products, the tablets contain lactose that may include 0.6 g of sucrose. If you have a fructose intolerance, disturbed glucose or galactose absorption or diabetes, you should avoid taking loratadine with lactose. According to Diane Zyche, a certified diabetes educator from the BJC Healthcare Center, those with diabetes can take loratadine. She recommends, however, avoiding the syrup and oral disintegrating forms of loratadine because they usually contain some sugar.
Loratadine Side Effects
Even though loratadine is not supposed to cross into the brain, the drug may cause some drowsiness. According to loratadine's prescribing information, symptoms of overdose include tachycardia, headache and somnolence. The most common side effects are dry mouth, fatigue and allergic reactions such as rash, gastric disturbances and nausea. You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking loratadine due to alcohol's sedative effects. People taking cimetidine, ketoconazole, quinidine, fluconazole and fluoxetine should exercise caution when taking loratadine, because these drugs can increase the adverse effects of loratadine. Additionally, breastfeeding women and children less than 2 years of age should not take Loratadine.
Loratadine and Pseudoephedrine
Loratadine formulated with the decongestant pseudoephedrine is usually taken to relieve cough and cold symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic's website, pseudoephedrine can raise blood glucose levels. People with diabetes should avoid taking loratadine formulated with pseudeophedrine.
References
- BJC Health Care: Ask the Certified Diabetes Educator
- AP Loratidine 10 mg Tablets
- "Basic & Clinical Pharmacology"; Bertram G. Katzung; 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Pseudoephedrine (Oral Route); Micromedex; November 2010
- Apotex: Prescribing Information
