# Loratadine in Nigeria - Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/loratadine/ - Drug class: Second-generation antihistamine (Allergy) - Also known as: Claritin, Lorfast, Loratyne - Prescription required: no - On the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines - Last updated: September 2026 ## 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. ## What is Loratadine? 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. 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? - 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 Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information. - 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: Headache; Occasionally mild drowsiness or tiredness (much less than older antihistamines); Dry mouth; Nervousness or difficulty sleeping in some people (more in children). Serious (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 Do not take if: 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. 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. ## Brands in Nigeria Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Claritin (Bayer, made in Belgium); Lorfast (Ranbaxy / Sun Pharma, made in India); Loratyn-10 (Phamatex Nigeria Limited, made in Malaysia). Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/loratadine/brands/ ## How to verify it is genuine 1. Check the NAFDAC registration number on the pack and verify it on the NAFDAC Green Book or app 2. Buy from a licensed pharmacy or registered outlet 3. Check the expiry date and that the packaging is sealed and untampered 4. Genuine tablets should be uniform; discard any that look irregular 5. For Claritin (Bayer) or Lorfast, check the manufacturer branding and batch number; for generics, confirm the manufacturer Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/ ## FAQs ### Is loratadine non-drowsy? Yes, that is its main advantage. Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine, designed to relieve allergies without the heavy drowsiness caused by older ones like chlorpheniramine (Piriton) or promethazine. Most people can take it in the daytime and still work, study, or drive normally. A small minority do feel slightly sleepy, so it is sensible to see how it affects you the first time before driving — but for the great majority it is genuinely non-drowsy. ### What is the difference between loratadine and cetirizine? Both are non-drowsy, once-daily antihistamines and both relieve the same allergy symptoms. The main difference is that cetirizine is a little more likely to cause mild drowsiness in some people but is sometimes felt to be slightly stronger for itching and hives, while loratadine is among the least sedating. In practice they are both good options; if one does not control your symptoms or makes you a bit sleepy, it is reasonable to try the other. A pharmacist can help you choose. ### Can I take loratadine every day for harmattan allergies? Yes. Loratadine is safe to take once daily for as long as your allergy symptoms last, including right through the harmattan season when dust triggers ongoing sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Because it is non-drowsy, daily use does not usually interfere with normal activities. If daily loratadine alone does not fully control your symptoms, a pharmacist may suggest adding a steroid nasal spray or trying another antihistamine. Simple measures — keeping windows closed on dusty days, and rinsing the nose — help too. ### How much does loratadine cost in Nigeria? Loratadine is inexpensive. Generic loratadine often costs just a few hundred naira for a small pack, while the branded Claritin (Bayer) costs more, up to a few thousand naira. Syrup for children is similarly affordable. Because it is cheap, effective, and non-drowsy, it is a practical everyday allergy medicine. As always, buy the NAFDAC-registered product from a pharmacy rather than loose tablets from an unverified seller. ## Sources - NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria) - WHO Model List of Essential Medicines - British National Formulary (BNF) - Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)