Changes to the scheduling of loratadine

The Board of Directors for the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) has approved interim recommendations from the National Drug Scheduling Advisory Committee (NDSAC) to amend the National Drug Schedules.

The approved changes are as follows:

• Loratadine and its salts and preparations in products labelled for use in children aged two to 11 years, in package sizes containing greater than 140 mg of loratadine, remain in Schedule III.
• Loratadine and its salts and preparations in products labelled for use in children aged two to 11 years, in package sizes containing no more than 140 mg of loratadine, be granted Unscheduled status.
• Loratadine and its salts and preparations, in products labelled for use in individuals 12 years of age and older, remain Unscheduled.

In Alberta, these changes will be recognized by reference through the Scheduled Drugs Regulation.