If you’ve been dealing with a stuffy nose, sneezing like crazy, itchy eyes, or skin rashes that drive you up the wall, chances are you’ve come across a little white tablet called LORFAST.
I totally get it — allergies are annoying. And when you’re feeling miserable, all you want is something that works fast and doesn’t make you feel like you’ve been hit by a sleep truck. That’s where LORFAST comes in. So, let me walk you through what this medicine does, how to take it, what to watch out for, and everything else you’d want to know before popping that pill.
What Is it ?
LORFAST is a non-drowsy antihistamine that contains the active ingredient loratadine. It’s used to treat symptoms related to allergies. Whether it’s sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, or skin rashes, LORFAST helps by blocking histamine—this is the chemical your body releases when you have an allergic reaction.
Common Uses of LORFAST
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Hay fever (Allergic rhinitis) | Sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy or watery eyes |
| Chronic urticaria | Long-lasting hives, itchy red skin |
| Other allergic reactions | Includes allergies to dust, pets, or insect bites |
LORFAST is suitable for treating mild allergic conditions, but it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional if your symptoms worsen or don’t go away.
Before You Take LORFAST
Even though LORFAST is sold without a prescription, there are still some things you need to be aware of before you start taking it. Let’s go through the most important ones.
When You Should NOT Take LORFAST
Avoid taking LORFAST if:
- You’re allergic to loratadine or any other ingredient in the tablet.
- You’ve had unusual reactions to antihistamines in the past.
- You suffer from porphyria, a rare blood pigment disorder.
Medical Conditions to Tell Your Doctor About
If you have any of the following conditions, make sure you speak to a doctor or pharmacist first:
| Medical Condition | Reason for Caution |
|---|---|
| Liver disease | May affect how the medicine is processed in your body |
| Kidney disease | Dosage adjustment might be needed |
| Emphysema | Breathing problems may be worsened |
| Enlarged prostate | Can cause difficulty urinating |
| Glaucoma (narrow-angle) | Could increase eye pressure |
| Heart problems | Antihistamines may influence heart rhythm |
| Seizure history | May increase the risk of seizures |
| Acute asthma | LORFAST doesn’t treat asthma attacks |
Also, if you’re planning to go for allergy skin testing, avoid taking LORFAST at least 48 hours before your test, as it can interfere with the results.
Interactions With Other Medicines
LORFAST can interact with some medications, especially those that affect liver enzymes involved in drug metabolism. Here are some common medicines that can increase the side effects of loratadine:
| Medication | Type of Drug |
|---|---|
| Cimetidine | Reduces stomach acid |
| Ketoconazole | Treats fungal infections |
| Clarithromycin, Erythromycin | Antibiotics for bacterial infections |
Always tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking any other medication—including herbal remedies or supplements.
Can You Take LORFAST With Alcohol?
It’s best to avoid alcohol while taking LORFAST. Although loratadine is considered non-drowsy for most people, alcohol can amplify sedative effects in some individuals. So, if you want to stay alert, it’s safest to skip the drink.
LORFAST During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Pregnancy: If you’re pregnant, it’s best to avoid LORFAST unless your doctor says it’s necessary. There’s limited data, so it’s better to be cautious.
- Breastfeeding: Do not take LORFAST while breastfeeding. Loratadine can pass into your breast milk and may affect your baby.
Driving and Using Machines
LORFAST usually doesn’t make you sleepy, which is a big plus compared to older antihistamines. But everyone’s body is different, and in rare cases, some people might feel a bit drowsy or dizzy.
💡 Tip: Try taking the first dose when you don’t need to drive or operate machinery—just to see how your body reacts.
How to Take LORFAST
Always follow the directions on the label or those given to you by your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t share your medicine with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms.
Usual Dose for Adults
| Age Group | Dosage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 1 tablet (10 mg) | Once daily |
- Swallow the tablet with water.
- You can take it with or without food.
Missed a Dose?
- If you forget to take a dose, just take it as soon as you remember.
- But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Don’t double up to make up for it.
Overdose Warning
Taking more than you should can cause side effects. If you accidentally take too much, contact your doctor, pharmacist, or the nearest hospital or poison center immediately.
Possible Side Effects of LORFAST
Like all medicines, LORFAST can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them, and most are mild and short-lived.
Serious Side Effects (Stop Taking LORFAST Immediately and Get Medical Help)
| Symptom | Possible Reaction |
|---|---|
| Rash or hives | Allergic skin reaction |
| Swelling, difficulty breathing | Severe allergy (anaphylaxis) |
| Rapid or irregular heartbeat | Cardiovascular reaction |
These are rare but potentially serious, and you should seek urgent help if they occur.
Common Side Effects
| Side Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Headache | Mild to moderate |
| Sleepiness or drowsiness | Especially if taken with alcohol |
| Dry mouth | Common but not serious |
| Nausea | Feeling slightly sick |
| Blurred vision | Temporary vision issues |
| Increased appetite | Some people feel hungrier than usual |
| Tiredness | General feeling of fatigue |
| Confusion or nightmares | Less common, more likely with higher doses |
| Gastritis | Stomach discomfort or indigestion |
Less Common Side Effects
| Side Effect | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sedation | Feeling unusually sleepy |
| Nervousness | Mild restlessness or irritability |
| Hair loss | Very rare and reversible |
If you notice anything unusual or anything not listed here, please contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How to Store LORFAST
Proper storage helps keep your medicine safe and effective.
| Storage Instruction | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Store at or below 25°C |
| Moisture | Keep in original blister pack |
| Expiry | Do not use after expiry date |
| Disposal | Return unused tablets to pharmacy |
| Children | Keep out of reach and sight |
What LORFAST Tablets Look Like
LORFAST tablets are round, flat, and smooth with beveled edges. They are white and have a break line on one side and the letters “LFT” embossed on the other. This makes them easy to identify.
Available Packaging
| Pack Size | Description |
|---|---|
| 10 Tablets | Blister pack with 10 tablets in a carton |
| 100 Tablets | Two blister packs of 50 tablets each |
What’s Inside Each Tablet?
Active Ingredient
- Loratadine (10 mg per tablet)
Other Ingredients
| Excipient | Role in the tablet |
|---|---|
| Calcium hydrogen phosphate | Helps form the tablet |
| Colloidal anhydrous silica | Keeps moisture away |
| Magnesium stearate | Prevents ingredients from sticking |
| Maize starch | Binder and filler |
| Purified talc | Lubricant |
| Sodium starch glycollate | Helps the tablet dissolve properly |
| Purified water | Used during manufacturing |
Who Makes LORFAST?
Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd
14 Lautre Road, Stormill Ext. 1
Roodepoort, 1724
South Africa
Final Thoughts
LORFAST is a trusted and effective antihistamine for managing allergies and hives. It’s sugar-free, generally well-tolerated, and doesn’t usually make you drowsy. But like any medicine, it’s important to use it carefully—especially if you have underlying health conditions, are taking other medicines, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Here’s a quick recap of what to remember:
✅ Take one tablet daily unless otherwise directed
✅ Avoid alcohol and don’t drive until you know how it affects you
✅ Store it properly and never use it past the expiry date
✅ Speak to your doctor if symptoms worsen or if you experience side effects
If in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for advice.
Education:
NPU (National Pharmaceutical University) 2010-2015, 2015-2016 internship
Work experience:
2010 – 2012 Pharmacy 63 – Production Department
2012 – 2015 Pharmacy 63 – Pharmacist
2015 – 2016 Pharmacy 63 – Pharmacist
2016 – to date Pharmacy UA – Head of Pharmacy
