Laura contains loratadine 10 mg, a non-sedating antihistamine. It is used for allergic rhinitis and hay fever — sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes — and for hives and itchy allergic skin reactions. It is taken once daily and, unlike older antihistamines, does not usually cause drowsiness.
What is Laura?
Laura contains loratadine 10 mg and is Schedule 1 in South Africa, available from a pharmacy.
Loratadine is widely sold under other names too, including Clarityne and various generics. Being dispensed one rather than another is ordinary generic substitution.
Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine. When you are exposed to something you are allergic to, mast cells release histamine, which acts on H1 receptors to produce the familiar symptoms — sneezing, itching, a runny nose, watery eyes and raised itchy weals in the skin. Loratadine blocks those receptors.
The important difference from older antihistamines is where it acts. First-generation antihistamines such as chlorphenamine and promethazine cross readily into the brain, where blocking histamine causes marked drowsiness. Loratadine was designed not to cross the blood-brain barrier to any significant extent, so it treats the allergy without the sedation.
That makes it suitable for daytime use — for driving, working and studying — which is the main practical reason to choose it.
A qualification worth stating honestly: “non-sedating” is a class description, not a guarantee. A minority of people do feel sleepy on loratadine. See how it affects you before driving, particularly at first.
Loratadine is long-acting, so once daily is enough, and it starts working within one to three hours.
What is Laura commonly used for?
- Allergic rhinitis and hay fever — sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose and throat, and watery itchy eyes.
- Perennial allergic rhinitis, from year-round triggers such as dust mites, pets or mould.
- Hives (urticaria), and itchy allergic skin reactions.
- Itching from insect bites, and mild allergic skin irritation.
- Allergic conjunctivitis, the itchy watery eyes accompanying hay fever.
- Allergy symptoms during the day, where a sedating antihistamine would be unsuitable.
Antihistamines work better taken before or early in an exposure than once symptoms are well established. For seasonal allergies, starting before the season and taking it regularly generally works better than reaching for it after a bad day.
What it does not do:
- It does not clear a blocked nose well. Nasal congestion comes largely from leukotrienes rather than histamine, which is why a stuffy nose often persists on an antihistamine alone.
- It does not treat colds or flu, which are viral. It may dry a runny nose slightly, but it does not shorten the illness.
- It does not treat asthma.
For persistent allergic rhinitis, a steroid nasal spray is the single most effective treatment — more effective than any antihistamine tablet, and particularly better for congestion. Tablets are often used alongside a spray. If your symptoms are mainly nasal and you have not tried a spray, that is worth asking about.
How Laura fits into this medicine category
| Group | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Non-sedating antihistamines | Loratadine (Laura), cetirizine, fexofenadine | Allergy without significant sedation |
| Sedating antihistamines | Chlorphenamine, promethazine, cyproheptadine | Allergy and itch; marked drowsiness |
| Steroid nasal sprays | Fluticasone, budesonide | Most effective for persistent allergic rhinitis |
| Leukotriene antagonists | Montelukast (Glemolev) | Congestion, and allergy with asthma |
| Decongestants | Pseudoephedrine (Decofed) | Nasal blockage; short-term only |
| Mucolytics | Acetylcysteine, bromhexine | Thin mucus in chesty coughs |
Cetirizine and loratadine are broadly comparable; cetirizine may work slightly faster and be marginally more likely to cause drowsiness. Individuals genuinely respond differently, so if one does not suit you, another may. See the allergy, cold, flu and respiratory medicines hub.
What to check before using Laura
Take it once daily, at around the same time.
Do not take more than one antihistamine at a time without advice, including combination cold and flu products, which frequently contain one.
Speak to a pharmacist or doctor first if you:
- Have liver disease, which may mean a reduced dose or less frequent use.
- Have kidney disease.
- Have epilepsy.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Are giving it to a child, where age and weight determine suitability and paediatric strengths exist.
- Are elderly, though loratadine is generally better tolerated in older people than sedating antihistamines.
- Are due to have allergy skin testing. Antihistamines suppress the reaction and must usually be stopped several days beforehand — mention it in advance, or the test may need repeating.
- Take medicines affecting heart rhythm, or antifungals such as ketoconazole, or antibiotics such as erythromycin.
Alcohol does not usually interact significantly with loratadine, but see how the combination affects you.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
Loratadine is generally very well tolerated. Common effects are headache, dry mouth, tiredness and occasionally drowsiness.
Seek medical attention urgently if you develop:
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing — signs of a serious allergic reaction. Call emergency services.
- A widespread rash with feeling unwell, or blistering or peeling skin.
- A fast or irregular heartbeat, or fainting.
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin.
- A seizure.
See a doctor rather than continuing self-treatment if:
- Symptoms persist despite regular treatment, or you need an antihistamine every day for months.
- Hives are persistent, recurrent, or last more than six weeks — chronic urticaria needs assessment and often responds to higher doses under medical supervision.
- You have wheezing, chest tightness or breathlessness — allergic symptoms with breathing difficulty need proper assessment, as asthma commonly accompanies allergic rhinitis.
- Symptoms follow a food, medicine or insect sting, particularly with swelling of the lips or face. A serious allergic reaction is a medical emergency, and an antihistamine tablet is not adequate treatment for anaphylaxis.
- You have facial pain, thick discoloured discharge or fever, suggesting sinus infection rather than allergy.
- One-sided nasal blockage or bleeding, which needs examination.
If you have been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector, carry it. An antihistamine does not replace it.
Related medicine guides
- Browse Allergy, Cold, Flu & Respiratory Medicines guides
- Read: Austell Cetirizine used for
- Read: Rhineton used for
Frequently asked questions
What are Laura 10 mg tablets used for? Allergic rhinitis and hay fever — sneezing, runny nose, itchy watery eyes — and hives and itchy allergic skin reactions. Each tablet contains loratadine 10 mg.
Does it make you drowsy? Usually not. Loratadine is designed not to enter the brain significantly. A minority of people do feel sleepy, so see how it affects you before driving.
Is Laura the same as cetirizine? Both are non-sedating antihistamines and broadly comparable, but they are different medicines. If one does not suit you, the other may.
Will it clear a blocked nose? Not well. Congestion comes largely from leukotrienes rather than histamine. A steroid nasal spray is more effective for a stuffy nose.
Can I take it for a cold? It will not treat a cold, which is viral. It may slightly dry a runny nose but does not shorten the illness.
How long does it take to work? Usually within one to three hours, lasting a full day.
Can I take it every day? Many people take it daily through an allergy season. Needing it continuously for months is worth discussing with a doctor.
Can I give it to my child? Paediatric strengths exist, dosed by age and weight. Ask a pharmacist rather than splitting adult tablets.