Claritin

Generic name: Loratadine

Loratadine tablets

What are loratadine tablets?

LORATADINE (Alavert., Claritin, Claritin Reditab, Claritin Hives Relief) is an antihistamine. It relieves the symptoms of hay fever (sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes), and can also treat hives and associated itching of the skin.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to loratadine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take loratadine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. You may take this medicine with food. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

If you are taking Claritin Reditabs or Alavert.: Place the tablet on your tongue, allow to dissolve completely and then swallow. You can take the Claritin Reditabs or Alavert. tablets with or without water.

This medicine may be used in children as young as 6 years old; younger children can receive the syrup form of this medicine.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double doses.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature or between 2 and 25 degrees C (36 and 77 degrees F). Keep the Claritin Reditabs in the foil pouch until ready to use. Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What drug(s) may interact with loratadine?

• certain antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
• medicines for HIV infection or AIDS

In addition, the following medicines can make you feel drowsy:

• alcohol
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as alprazolam, diazepam, or temazepam
• medicines for hay fever and other allergies such as antihistamines
• medicines for mental problems, including anxiety, depression and psychotic disturbances
• medicines for pain

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking loratadine?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 1 to 2 days.

Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how loratadine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.

What side effects may I notice from taking loratadine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• unusual restlessness or nervousness in children

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dry mouth
• headache
• tiredness or drowsiness