Loratadine is an antihistamine medicine that relieves the symptoms of allergies. It's used to treat:

• hay fever
• conjunctivitis (red itchy eyes)
• eczema
• hives (urticaria)

It's also used for reactions to insect bites and stings and for some food allergies. Loratadine is known as a non-drowsy antihistamine. It's much less likely to make you feel sleepy than some other antihistamines. Loratadine is available on prescription. You can also buy it from pharmacies and supermarkets. It comes as tablets or as a liquid that you swallow.