We have identified this white oval drug with an imprint “l612 pill” as loratadine 10 mg.
It is an antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms and urticaria, such as a runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and throat, from hay fever and hives.
Just like cetirizine and other antihistamines, loratadine blocks the actions of histamine, which causes allergic symptoms in the body.
Table of Contents
L612 pill identification
- Brand Name: Claritin
- Generic Name: loratadine.
- Producer: Perigo pharmacy
- Imprint: L612
- Class: Antihistamine
- Shape: Elliptical/Oval
- Colour: White
- Strengths: 10 mg
- Availability: over-the-counter (Otc)/pharmacy
- Size: 8 mm
- Pregnancy category: B. No proven side effects during pregnancy
Inactive Ingredients
- Lactose monohydrate
- Magnesium stearate
- Povidone
- Starch (1)
Loratadine Dosage and administration
The drug is available both on prescription and in the pharmacy. If you are taking the medication based on your doctor’s recommendation, stick to his recommendation.
Otherwise, check the drug information on the leaflet.
Normally,
- Adults and children from 6 years and above, take 1 tablet (10 mg) in 24 hours.
- Children younger than 6 years old should seek doctor or pharmacist advice because they base their prescriptions on age and body weight
- Those with asthma, liver, and kidney problems should seek medical advice from doctors too.
Loratadine interaction
When taking this drug, be mindful of the other drugs you combine with them to avoid interaction.
For instance, loratadine interacts with amiodarone, a drug used to treat an irregular heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmias).
It also interacts with erythromycin antibiotics, resulting in increased plasma concentrations of loratadine and des-carbo ethoxy loratadine. (2)
You should not take antihistamines with antiretroviral drugs (HIV drugs) to avoid interaction. (3)
Other drugs that interact with loratadine are
- Ketoconazole: Fungicide drug.
- Herbal drugs
- Cimetidine: Indigestion medication.
Loratadine during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Taking loratadine during pregnancy and breastfeeding is 100% safe. Although a small amount of it gets into the breast, it’s not enough to harm the baby.
If you are breastfeeding and your baby is premature or has other health problems, tell your doctor before taking the drug.
L612 pill images
Loratadine Overdose
If you take an overdose of the white pills, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222.
You can also visit https://www.poisonhelp.org/help for more information or call the emergency line @ 911.
Symptoms of Claritin overdose include:
The possible side effects of loratadine
- Drowsiness (may make you feel sleepy)
- Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Headache
- Unusual body movements
L612 pill side effects
Just like other drugs, loratadine also causes some side effects which may be mild or severe.Although the efficacy and safety in 228 patients suffering from allergic rhinitis were promising after 28 days, they recorded 14% side effects, 3% sedation, and 4% dry mouth.Taking a higher dose than the recommended 10 mg can cause serious side effects.Below are some of their side effects:
- Confusion
- Low blood pressure in older people
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Urine retention in males
- Dry mouth
- Autonomic Nervous System
- Impotence
- Altering salivation
- Increased sweating
- Leg cramps
- Sinusitis
- Anxiety
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of any part of the body
- Stomach pain
- Mouth sour
- Nose bleed
- Dermatitis
- Itching
- Hives
- Rash
- Vaginitis
- Coughing
- Weight gain
- upper respiratory infection and others.
Precautions
Inform your health care provider if you are allergic to loratadine or its constituents.
- Inform him or her if you have suffered liver, asthma, or kidney disease.
- Tell him about all the drugs you have taken or have recently taken.
- Tell him if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Do not take more than the recommended dose, as it may lead to some side effects.
- If you take a higher dose, call your doctor for medical help.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 20°-25°C (68° 77°F)Keep out of reach of children.FAQ
1. What does loratadine do to the body?
Loratadine is an antihistamine used to treat allergic conditions like watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and itching from hay fever and hives.
2. How many Loratadine 10 mg can I take?
You can only take 10 mg of loratadine a day if you are 6 years old and above. People under 6 years old and those with liver and kidney problems may take a lesser dosage depending on their doctor’s recommendation.
3. Does loratadine 10 mg make you sleepy?
Loratadine is a second-generation non-drowsy antihistamine, however, it may still cause sleep in some people. Don’t take this drug and drive or handle machines to avoid any potential side effects.
4. What does the Claritin pill look like?
Claritin pills are a brand name for loratadine. It is a white oval pill with an imprint of l612.
5. What is the l612 pill used for?
The drug is used to treat allergic reactions like watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and itching from hay fever and hives.