Loratadine is a popular non-drowsy antihistamine used to relieve allergies. Sold as Claritin, Lorfast, and generic loratadine, it is taken once a day and is a common choice for the sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes of allergic rhinitis, as well as for hives and itchy skin. In Nigeria it is especially useful during the harmattan, when dry, dusty winds trigger widespread allergy symptoms.
In the NAFDAC register
53 registered products
from 45 registration holders
What it costs online
about ₦1,000tablets
median of 3 listings
Also sampled: syrup (1 listing, ₦1,250)
≈₦100 per tablet (tablet/capsule)
0% since July 2026 · like-for-like
Sampled from 5 listings across MedPlus and Supermart.ng · September 2026
Full price breakdown →Brands of Loratadine in Nigeria
Comes as
- Tablet10 mg· 17 makers
Those 53 products from 45 registration holders include combination products and older listings; below are the most common brands.
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Strength | Form | NAFDAC Reg. No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claritin | Bayer | 10mg | Tablet | |
| Lorfast | Ranbaxy / Sun Pharma | 10mg | Tablet | |
| Loratyn-10 | Phamatex Nigeria Limited | 10mg | Tablet | 04-4039 |
Loratadine Price in Nigeria
As of September 2026, Loratadine sells for about ₦1,000 for tablets online in Nigeria across MedPlus and Supermart.ng — tablet/capsule ₦1,000–₦1,100, syrup/suspension ₦1,250. The online price is roughly unchanged since July 2026. That figure is for Loratyn; 23 other loratadine brands are NAFDAC-registered and generic versions usually cost less. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.
Online retail (sampled)
Tablet/Capsule
₦1,000 – ₦1,100 · 3 listings · ≈₦100 per tablet
Syrup/Suspension
median ₦1,250 · 1 listing
5 listings across MedPlus + Supermart.ng · September 2026.
Unchanged since July 2026.
How to Verify Your Loratadine is Genuine
- 1Check the NAFDAC registration number on the pack and verify it on the NAFDAC Green Book or app
- 2Buy from a licensed pharmacy or registered outlet
- 3Check the expiry date and that the packaging is sealed and untampered
- 4Genuine tablets should be uniform; discard any that look irregular
- 5For Claritin (Bayer) or Lorfast, check the manufacturer branding and batch number; for generics, confirm the manufacturer
Where to Buy
Buying Loratadine by the carton
Cartons are bought at Nigeria's four open drug markets. Each guide names the sellers there you can contact, and how to buy safely:
No shop we list has Loratadine on its confirmed product list yet — the market guides still tell you where the trade happens and how to buy there safely.
Wherever you buy, buy only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors — not roadside vendors — and verify the pack's NAFDAC registration before you pay. Buying Loratadine in bulk or for resale? See how to buy medicines in bulk in Nigeria safely.
Need Loratadine in bulk, or can't find it near you?
Tell us what you need and we'll connect you with a verified, NAFDAC-registered source.
What is Loratadine?
Loratadine belongs to the newer, 'second-generation' antihistamines. Like all antihistamines it blocks histamine, the chemical the body releases during an allergic reaction that causes sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. Its advantage over older antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and promethazine is that it causes much less drowsiness, so most people can take it during the day and still work, study, or drive normally.
Loratadine is available without a prescription and is very safe for most people, including for regular use during allergy seasons. It is taken once daily and starts to work within an hour or two. It is not the right medicine for a severe, sudden allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which is an emergency needing adrenaline and urgent care. For everyday allergies, though, it is an effective, convenient, and affordable option. Check for a NAFDAC registration number when buying.
What is Loratadine used for?
In Nigeria, Loratadine is commonly used for:
- Allergic rhinitis (hay-fever-type symptoms) — sneezing, runny or itchy nose, itchy watery eyes
- Dust and harmattan-related allergy symptoms
- Hives (urticaria) and allergic itching
- A daytime, non-drowsy option for ongoing allergy control
- Mild allergic skin reactions
Dosage
IMPORTANT
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.
Adults
The usual dose is 10mg once a day, with or without food. One tablet daily is enough — taking more does not improve allergy relief. It can be taken for as long as symptoms last, including through an allergy season.
Children
Children over 6 years (or above about 30kg) usually take the adult 10mg once daily; younger children (2-6 years) take a lower dose, typically 5mg once daily as syrup. Follow the label or a pharmacist's advice, and do not use in children under 2 without medical guidance.
Elderly
The standard dose is suitable; a lower dose may be used in significant liver or kidney impairment.
Loratadine works within an hour or two and lasts all day. If it does not control your symptoms, a pharmacist can advise — sometimes cetirizine or adding a steroid nasal spray helps. Although it is 'non-drowsy', a small number of people do feel a little sleepy, so see how it affects you before driving. It is not a treatment for a severe allergic reaction with swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing — that is an emergency.
Side Effects
Common side effects
- •Headache
- •Occasionally mild drowsiness or tiredness (much less than older antihistamines)
- •Dry mouth
- •Nervousness or difficulty sleeping in some people (more in children)
Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction to the medicine itself: rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing
- A fast or irregular heartbeat (rare)
When to see a doctor
See a doctor or pharmacist if your allergy symptoms are severe, persistent, or not controlled by loratadine, or if you have wheezing or breathing difficulty (which may point to asthma). Seek emergency care for any sign of a severe allergic reaction — swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, or collapse — which loratadine cannot treat.
Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Loratadine if you have:
- Use a reduced dose in severe liver disease
- Avoid in children under 2 years unless advised by a doctor
- Do not use if you are allergic to loratadine
- It is not a substitute for emergency treatment of a severe allergic reaction
Drug interactions
- •Loratadine has few significant interactions at normal doses
- •Alcohol and other sedating medicines could add slightly to any drowsiness
- •Certain medicines that affect liver enzymes may raise loratadine levels, usually without problems
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Loratadine is one of the antihistamines generally considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding when an antihistamine is needed, but as with any medicine in pregnancy it is best to check with a pharmacist or doctor first and use it only if necessary.
Related Resources for Loratadine
Guides, articles, and tools related to Loratadine and other allergy medicines in Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- •NAFDAC Greenbook — the official database of all products registered with Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. Brand-level NAFDAC numbers for Loratadine on this page were cross-referenced against the Greenbook.
- •WHO Model List of Essential Medicines — Loratadine is included in the WHO's list of essential medicines, meaning it is considered essential for basic healthcare needs.
- •British National Formulary (BNF) dosing and interaction guidance for Loratadine.
- •Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health).
Daily puzzle: Meddle — pair five brands with their medicines. New game at midnight.