Claritin (Loratadine)

General information

Claritin is an antihistamine that treats symptoms such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from 'hay fever' and other allergies. It is also used to relieve itching from hives. It works by blocking the action of one of the body's natural chemicals known as histamine. Histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms caused by allergies.

Directions

Take Claritin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended dose for most adults and children age six and over is 10 mg once daily. The recommended dose for children ages two through five is 5 mg once daily. It may be taken with or without food.

Precautions

Before taking Claritin you should talk with your doctor if you have kidney disease, kidney failure, liver disease, liver failure, cirrhosis, hepatitis, any allergies. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old without the advice of a doctor. For children 12 years of age or younger, do not give this medication for longer than 14 days. The elderly may be more sensitive to side effects of this medication.

Contraindications

Do not use Claritin if you are allergic to loratadine or to any of the ingredients of the medication. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing, fast or uneven heart rate, yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), seizures, nervousness, stomach pain, diarrhea, dry mouth, sore throat, hoarseness, eye redness, blurred vision, nosebleed, heartburn, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, weight loss, loss of appetite. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: antifungal medications (fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole), antibiotics (clarithromycin, telithromycin, erythromycin), H2 blockers (ranitidine, cimetidine, nizatidine, famotidine). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are drowsiness, fast heartbeat, headache.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.