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Common uses
This medicine (Claritin - Loratadine)
is an antihistamine used to treat the symptoms of hay fever
and other allergic conditions such as watery eyes, runny
nose (rhinitis), itching eyes, and sneezing. It may also
be used to treat hives.
Before using
Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription
and over-the-counter medicine (Claritin - Loratadine)
that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical
conditions including kidney disease, liver disease, any
allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine
(Claritin - Loratadine) provided by your doctor.
This medicine (Claritin - Loratadine) may be taken
on an empty stomach or with food. Store this medicine (Claritin
- Loratadine) at room temperature in a tightly closed container,
away from heat and moisture. If you miss a dose of this
medicine (Claritin - Loratadine) and you are using
it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back
to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at
once.
Cautions
Before you begin taking any new medicine
(Claritin - Loratadine), either prescription or over-the-counter,
check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not exceed the
recommended dose or take this medicine (Claritin
- Loratadine) more often than directed. Do not take this
medicine (Claritin - Loratadine) for several days
before allergy testing since test results can be affected.
Caution should be used in the elderly since they may be
more sensitive to the effects of this drug.
For women: if you plan on becoming
pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks
of using this medicine (Claritin - Loratadine) during
pregnancy. This medicine (Claritin - Loratadine)
is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking
this medicine (Claritin - Loratadine).
Possible side effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment,
include headache, dry mouth, dry nose, hoarseness, and fatigue.
If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.
Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a rapid or
pounding heartbeat, dizziness, diarrhea, nervousness, wheezing,
stomach pain, unusual weakness, or hyperactivity while taking
this medicine (Claritin - Loratadine). An allergic
reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical
attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble
breathing.
This medicine (Claritin - Loratadine)
does not usually cause drowsiness when used at recommended
doses and under normal circumstances. However, use caution
before engaging in activities that require alertness until
you know how you react to this medicine (Claritin
- Loratadine). If you notice any unusual effects, check
with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local
poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms
of overdose may include unusual drowsiness, headache, and
fast heartbeat.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted
side effects or prevent a medicine (Claritin - Loratadine)
from doing its job. Some medicine (Claritin - Loratadine)s
or medical conditions may interact with this medicine (Claritin
- Loratadine). Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription
and over-the-counter medicine (Claritin - Loratadine)
that you are taking.
Additional information
If your symptoms do not improve or if they
become worse, contact your doctor. Do not share this medicine
(Claritin - Loratadine) with others for whom it was
not prescribed. Do not use this medicine (Claritin
- Loratadine) for other health conditions. Keep this medicine
(Claritin - Loratadine) out of the reach of children
and pets. If using this medicine (Claritin - Loratadine)
for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your
supply runs out.Claritin (Claratyne) or loratadine
is an antihistamine. It provides effective relief from the
symptoms of seasonal allergies; itchy, watery eyes, itchy
palate, sneezing, and runny nose. Claritin (Claratyne)
is also effective in relieving the symptoms of itching associated
with chronic hives.
Claratin is sold under the trade name of Claratyne
(loratadine) in New Zealand
Claritin (Claratyne) has no drowsy side effects
when taken at the recommended dose. Drowsiness may occur
if you take more than the recommended dose.
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