Non-sedating selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonist that does not significantly cross the blood-brain barrier. No anticholinergic activity. Active metabolite desloratadine also contributes to antihistamine effect.
At a glance
Class
Second-Generation Antihistamine (Non-Sedating H1 Blocker)
Storage
Store at room temperature below 25°C, protect from moisture
Dosing
Used for allergic dermatitis and urticaria
Non-sedating antihistamine for feline allergic skin disease
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Pruritus responseNo routine monitoring required
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Loratadine?
Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine (non-sedating h1 blocker) used in pets. Non-sedating selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonist that does not significantly cross the blood-brain barrier. No anticholinergic activity. Active metabolite desloratadine also contributes to antihistamine effect.
›What is Loratadine used for in pets?
Loratadine is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for allergic dermatitis and urticaria; Non-sedating antihistamine for feline allergic skin disease.
›What is the Loratadine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Loratadine is typically dosed as follows — Used for allergic dermatitis and urticaria: 0.5–1 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Loratadine dose for cats?
For cats, Loratadine is typically dosed as follows — Non-sedating antihistamine for feline allergic skin disease: 2.5–5 mg/cat PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Loratadine need a prescription?
Loratadine is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database