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Loratadine & Facial Stiffness

Loratadine (brand name Claritin) is an over-the-counter, once-daily, allergy medication. This second-generation antihistamine treats allergies without causing significant sedation. Serious side effects are rare, but it is possible that loratadine may cause facial stiffness.

  1. Safety

    • Loratadine is a drug that has been shown to cause few side effects. In clinical trials, reports of adverse effects were similar for loratadine and a placebo, and the rate of discontinuation for both was about the same. Most reports of side effects are not due to the drug itself.

    Considerations

    • However, in at least one patient, hypertonia (increased muscle tension or stiffness) was reported with loratadine. Muscle stiffness may affect any part of the body, including facial muscles.

    Warning

    • If you are taking Claritin or generic loratadine, and you experience facial stiffness or muscle stiffness in any other part of the body, stop taking the drug immediately and contact your health care provider or pharmacist. You may be experiencing a rare serious side effec, or the muscle stiffness may be coincidental with taking loratadine. It should be evaluated in either case.

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