Reviewed by Dr. Diana Rangaves, PharmD, RPh

White oval L612 pill identified as loratadine 10 mg with front and back view

Finding a loose white oval tablet marked L612 can be confusing, especially when you do not know where it came from or whether it is safe to take. You may immediately wonder what the medicine is, whether it is a prescription drug or narcotic, what it is used for, and whether it can cause serious side effects. Current U.S. drug records commonly identify L612 as loratadine 10 mg, an over-the-counter antihistamine used for allergy relief. However, pill identification should never depend on color or shape alone because similar-looking tablets can exist, and historical or repackaged records may show small differences in size or inactive ingredients.

If you found or were given a white oval tablet with this imprint, the most important first step is to confirm its identity before taking it. This article explains the tablet’s appearance, loratadine uses, usual dosage, possible side effects, drowsiness risk, interactions, ingredients, and why different L612 product records may not look exactly the same. If the tablet is loose, damaged, or its source is uncertain, check the original packaging when available or ask a pharmacist to identify it.

What Is the L612 Pill?

The L612 pill is commonly identified as loratadine 10 mg, an antihistamine medicine used for allergy relief. Loratadine blocks the action of histamine, a substance involved in allergic reactions. By reducing the effects of histamine, it can help relieve symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat.

Loratadine 10 mg is available over the counter in the United States. It is not an opioid, narcotic, or controlled substance. However, L612 is a pill imprint rather than a brand name, which is why the same imprint may appear in records connected with different labelers, suppliers, packagers, or repackagers.

Because of this, identifying the medicine should involve more than reading a brand name. The full imprint, physical appearance, original package, active ingredient, and available product information should all be considered.

How to Identify a White Oval Pill Marked L612

A white oval tablet marked L612 is commonly identified as loratadine 10 mg. Current major U.S. records describe it as white, oval, unscored, and approximately 8 mm in size. These details are useful for pill identification, but no single feature should be treated as final proof.

Identification Feature	Details
Imprint	L612 / L 612
Active ingredient	Loratadine
Strength	10 mg
Color	White
Shape	Oval
Common current size	About 8 mm
Score	No score
Drug class	Antihistamine
Route	Oral
Availability	Over the counter
Controlled substance	No

Some pill databases display the imprint as “L612,” while others show “L 612.” WellRx lists white oval loratadine 10 mg tablets using both imprint formats.

When checking an unknown tablet, compare:

The complete imprint
Color and shape
Approximate size
Whether there is a score line
Original bottle or blister packaging
Drug name and strength on the package
NDC or other product information, when available

Visual identification still has limits. A damaged or older tablet may have a faded imprint, and lighting or camera quality can change how its color or shape appears in photographs. If the medicine does not clearly match a reliable product record, ask a pharmacist to confirm it.

Why Do Some L612 Pill Records Show 6 mm Instead of 8 mm?

Most current major product records reviewed for this medicine describe the white oval L612 loratadine tablet as approximately 8 mm. However, an older DailyMed record from the State of Florida DOH Central Pharmacy lists a repackaged loratadine 10 mg tablet with the same imprint as 6 mm, white, oval, and unscored.

The difference reflects separate product records rather than something that should be ignored during identification. The older record is a repackaged product listing, while the current CVS DailyMed record describes an 8 mm tablet. Therefore, size should be treated as one identification clue instead of the only deciding factor.

If the size appears different from a current pill image or product record, compare the complete imprint, color, shape, package label, and other available information before reaching a conclusion.

What Is Loratadine?

Loratadine is an antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that contributes to symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose or throat, and red, itchy, or watery eyes.

Common brand names for loratadine include:

Claritin
Alavert
Wal-itin

Generic and brand-name medicines can contain the same active ingredient while still differing in packaging, tablet appearance, inactive ingredients, or dosage form.

Loratadine is often marketed as a non-drowsy allergy medicine. Still, drowsiness and tiredness are possible side effects, and taking more than directed may increase the chance of drowsiness.

Is L612 the Same as Claritin?

L612 contains loratadine 10 mg, which is the same active ingredient found in regular Claritin products containing loratadine alone. Some generic loratadine packages even tell consumers to compare their active ingredient with Claritin.

However, a generic loratadine tablet and a brand-name Claritin product may differ in:

Inactive ingredients
Tablet appearance
Packaging
Labeler or supplier
NDC number

Therefore, they can contain the same active medicine without being the exact same finished product.

Is L612 the Same as Claritin-D?

No. An L612 tablet contains loratadine 10 mg alone, while Claritin-D combines loratadine with pseudoephedrine, a decongestant.

Because Claritin-D contains an additional active ingredient, it has a different medication profile. When comparing allergy medicines, check the active ingredients on the package instead of relying only on the brand name.

What Is the L612 Pill Used For?

Loratadine is used for temporary relief of symptoms caused by hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies. These symptoms may occur after exposure to pollen, dust, pet dander, or other indoor and outdoor allergens.

Common symptoms it may help relieve include:

Sneezing
Runny nose
Itchy nose
Itchy throat
Red or itchy eyes
Watery eyes

Loratadine is also used for common allergy symptoms and has been used to treat itching and redness caused by hives, also known as urticaria.

However, loratadine should not be used as a substitute for emergency treatment during anaphylaxis. A severe allergic reaction involving trouble breathing, major throat or facial swelling, collapse, or loss of consciousness requires urgent medical attention.

How Does Loratadine Work?

When the body reacts to an allergen, it releases substances including histamine. Histamine contributes to many familiar allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes.

Loratadine belongs to the antihistamine drug class and works by blocking the action of histamine. This helps reduce the symptoms produced by an allergic response.

The medicine does not remove the allergen itself. For example, loratadine cannot remove pollen from the air, but it may reduce symptoms caused by the body’s response to pollen.

What Forms and Strengths Does Loratadine Come In?

Loratadine is available in several dosage forms, so not every product looks like the white oval 10 mg tablet discussed here.

Common forms include:

Regular oral tablets
Chewable tablets
Oral liquid
Capsules
Rapidly dissolving tablets

Loratadine products may come in different strengths depending on the dosage form. The tablet carrying the L612 imprint discussed in this article contains 10 mg of loratadine.

Directions can differ between dosage forms, so instructions for a liquid or chewable medicine should not automatically be applied to a standard 10 mg tablet.

How Should You Take Loratadine 10 mg?

For the current U.S. 10 mg tablet label reviewed here, adults and children 6 years and older are directed to take one tablet daily. The same label says not to take more than one tablet in 24 hours.

Important dosing points include:

Adults and children 6 years and older: one tablet daily
Do not take more than one tablet in 24 hours
Children under 6: ask a doctor
People with liver disease: ask a doctor
People with kidney disease: ask a doctor

Loratadine can generally be taken with or without food. However, always follow the Drug Facts label on the exact medicine you have because dosage forms and strengths may differ.

Taking more than directed is not a good way to get stronger allergy relief and may increase the chance of unwanted effects, including drowsiness.

Is the L612 Pill Safe to Take?

Loratadine 10 mg is an over-the-counter antihistamine, but whether it is appropriate for a specific person depends on factors such as age, health conditions, other medicines, and whether the tablet has been correctly identified. The current label gives additional precautions for people with liver or kidney disease, children under 6, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Taking more than the recommended amount does not provide safer or stronger allergy relief and may increase the chance of drowsiness. In addition, a loose medicine should not be swallowed simply because it resembles an L612 tablet shown online. If the tablet’s identity or source is uncertain, confirm it from the original package or ask a pharmacist before taking it.

What Are the Side Effects of Loratadine?

Loratadine can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Some effects are mild, while an allergic reaction to the medicine or one of its ingredients can require medical attention.

For a broader explanation of how side effects, adverse effects, and medication allergies differ, read Medication Side Effects, Adverse Effects, and Allergies.

Common Side Effects

Possible side effects include:

Headache
Drowsiness
Tiredness

If these effects are severe or do not go away, contact a healthcare professional. Taking extra loratadine is not a good way to get stronger allergy relief and may increase unwanted effects.

Serious Side Effects

Possible signs of a serious allergic reaction include:

Rash or hives
Itching
Trouble breathing
Trouble swallowing
Swelling of the eyes or face
Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat

If these serious symptoms occur, stop using the medicine and seek medical help.

Does the L612 Pill Make You Sleepy?

It can. Although loratadine is commonly marketed as non-drowsy when taken as directed, drowsiness and tiredness are still possible.

The current Drug Facts information also warns that taking more than directed may cause drowsiness. For this reason, do not take extra loratadine because allergy symptoms feel strong.

Until you know how the medicine affects you, use caution with activities that require full alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.

Who Should Talk to a Doctor Before Taking Loratadine?

Loratadine is available over the counter, but certain health conditions and situations require additional care. Liver disease, kidney disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and younger age can affect how the medicine should be used.

Liver Disease

People with liver disease should ask a doctor before using loratadine. The current U.S. label states that a doctor should determine whether a different dose is needed.

Someone with known liver problems should therefore not automatically assume that the standard adult schedule is right for them.

Kidney Disease

People with kidney disease should also ask a doctor before using loratadine. A different dose may be needed depending on the person’s condition.

Personal medical guidance is more appropriate in this situation than relying only on a general dosage recommendation found online.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should ask a health professional before using loratadine. It is also important to tell a healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Medication decisions during pregnancy or breastfeeding depend on individual circumstances, so general online information should not replace professional advice.

Children Under 6

For the current 10 mg tablet label, children under 6 should ask a doctor. Parents or caregivers should not automatically split an adult tablet or give part of one to a younger child without appropriate guidance.

Loratadine is available in other dosage forms for children. The correct product and dose should be based on the child’s age and the directions on that specific medicine.

Does Loratadine Interact With Food, Alcohol, or Other Medicines?

Loratadine can generally be taken with or without food. However, people who take prescription medicines, OTC drugs, vitamins, herbal products, or supplements should make sure their doctor or pharmacist knows what they use.

Can You Take Loratadine With Food?

Yes. Loratadine can normally be taken with or without food, so most people do not need to plan their dose around meals.

Unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise, no special diet is usually needed just because someone is taking loratadine.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Loratadine?

Use caution with alcohol while taking loratadine. It is not known exactly how alcohol affects loratadine, but drinking alcohol while taking it may increase the risk of drowsiness.

If the medicine already makes you sleepy, avoiding alcohol is the safer choice. This is especially important if you need to drive, operate machinery, or perform another task that requires full attention.

Loratadine Drug Interactions

Before using loratadine, tell a doctor or pharmacist about:

Prescription medicines
Over-the-counter medicines
Vitamins
Minerals
Nutritional supplements
Herbal products
Other medicines that may cause drowsiness

A pharmacist can review your medication list and help identify possible interactions or overlapping effects. You can also read more about how to assess medication safety and drug interactions, including useful questions about OTC medicines, side effects, missed doses, and interactions.

What Should You Do If You Take Too Much Loratadine?

Do not take more loratadine than the package directs. Taking more than directed may cause drowsiness, and overdose requires professional medical guidance.

Seek emergency medical attention if someone:

Collapses
Has a seizure
Has trouble breathing
Cannot be awakened

If too much medicine may have been taken but the situation is not immediately life-threatening, get medical help or contact Poison Control rather than relying only on information found online.

What Should You Do If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose of loratadine, take it when you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and return to your normal schedule.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet. Taking extra medicine may increase the chance of unwanted effects without providing extra benefit.

What Ingredients Are in an L612 Tablet?

The active ingredient is loratadine 10 mg, which provides the antihistamine effect. Tablets also contain inactive ingredients used to help form and stabilize the medicine.

The current CVS DailyMed product record lists:

Lactose monohydrate
Magnesium stearate
Povidone
Pregelatinized starch

Other L612 product records may not contain exactly the same inactive ingredients. This can matter to people with allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities to a particular ingredient.

Why Can L612 Tablets Have Different Inactive Ingredients?

Generic medicines can be manufactured, labeled, supplied, or repackaged through different companies. Because of this, products containing the same active drug and strength do not always use exactly the same inactive ingredients.

For example, an older DailyMed L612 record lists:

Lactose monohydrate
Magnesium stearate
Microcrystalline cellulose
Sodium starch glycolate

The current CVS record instead lists povidone and pregelatinized starch along with lactose monohydrate and magnesium stearate.

This is why the imprint can help identify the active medicine but may not tell you every ingredient in the exact product you have. If a specific inactive ingredient matters, check the current package label.

Who Labels, Supplies, or Repackages L612 Loratadine?

Several companies can appear in product records connected with the same generic medicine. Drugs.com lists Perrigo Company as the labeler or supplier for its primary L612 loratadine record, while the current DailyMed record lists CVS Pharmacy as the packager.

An older DailyMed record states that the product was manufactured by Perrigo Company and repackaged by the State of Florida DOH Central Pharmacy.

Manufacturer, supplier, labeler, packager, and repackager are not always the same role. Therefore, different company names in drug databases do not automatically mean that the active medicine is different.

Why Does L612 Appear Under Different Brand Names?

The same generic medicine can be sold under different store or brand labels. A tablet may contain loratadine 10 mg even when the front of its package carries a store-brand allergy name.

The active ingredient identifies the medicine responsible for the drug effect, while the brand or store label describes how the finished product is marketed. As a result, products containing the same active medicine may differ in:

Brand name
Package design
Labeler or packager
NDC number
Inactive ingredients

This explains why pill-identification databases can show several product records connected with the same imprint.

Is the L612 Pill Discontinued?

Not every loratadine product marked L612 is discontinued. Drugs.com lists a specific Vicks QlearQuil All Day & All Night 24 Hour Allergy Relief product carrying the L612 imprint as discontinued.

However, current DailyMed records still show loratadine 10 mg products carrying the L612 imprint under other labeling and packaging. Therefore, it would be inaccurate to describe every product with this imprint as discontinued.

The clearer explanation is that certain branded or packaged versions have been discontinued while the L612 imprint continues to appear in other loratadine product records.

Is the L612 Pill a Controlled Substance?

No. Loratadine 10 mg is an antihistamine, not an opioid, narcotic, or controlled substance. Current U.S. product information lists no DEA schedule for loratadine.

However, being available over the counter does not mean the medicine should be taken without following its directions. Users should still pay attention to recommended dosage, warnings, age limits, health conditions, and possible side effects.

How Should Loratadine Be Stored?

Current product labeling recommends storing loratadine at about 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). It should also be protected from excess heat, moisture, and light.

For safe storage:

Keep the medicine in its original container
Keep the container tightly closed
Store it at room temperature
Keep it away from excess heat and moisture
Keep it out of sight and reach of children
Do not use a product if a required safety seal is broken or missing

Proper storage helps protect the medicine and reduces the risk of accidental use by children or other people in the household.

What Should You Do If You Find an Unknown Pill Marked L612?

If you find a loose white tablet marked L612, start by checking all available identification details. Current major records commonly identify a white oval tablet carrying this imprint as loratadine 10 mg, although historical records show that tablet size and inactive ingredients can vary.

Check:

Does the complete imprint clearly read L612 or L 612?
Is the tablet white?
Is it oval?
Does its approximate size match a known record?
Is the original bottle or blister package available?
Does the package identify loratadine 10 mg?
Is an NDC code or company name listed?

Original packaging provides stronger evidence than an online photograph because it can show the medicine name, strength, NDC, ingredients, expiration information, and product details.

Do not take an unknown tablet only because it resembles an image online. If the imprint is damaged, incomplete, or unclear, ask a pharmacist to identify it before taking it.

Key Takeaway

The L612 pill is commonly identified in current U.S. drug records as loratadine 10 mg, a white oval antihistamine tablet used to relieve symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes. For the current OTC 10 mg label reviewed for this article, adults and children 6 years and older are directed to take one tablet daily and no more than one tablet in 24 hours, while children under 6 and people with liver or kidney disease should follow the label’s advice to ask a doctor.

Loratadine is not a narcotic or controlled substance, but it can still cause side effects such as headache, tiredness, or drowsiness, and historical or repackaged L612 records may differ in tablet size, packaging, labeler, or inactive ingredients. From a medication-safety perspective, the most important point is not to treat an online image as final proof: if a tablet is loose, damaged, or its source is uncertain, verify the full imprint and original packaging or ask a pharmacist before taking it.

Need Professional Guidance?

If you have questions about loratadine use, side effects, ongoing allergy symptoms, or whether this medicine is appropriate for you, consider speaking with a primary care physician.

Family Medicine Specialist

Dr. Shawn J. Aaron, MD is a board-certified family medicine physician based in Longview, Washington. He provides comprehensive primary care and manages both acute and chronic health conditions.

See Full Profile

Sources and References

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow the directions on the product label and speak with a doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional if you have questions about loratadine, an unknown pill, dosage, side effects, drug interactions, or a medical condition. If you think you may be experiencing a medical emergency or serious allergic reaction, seek emergency medical care immediately.

L612 Pill: Identification, Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Safety