WHAT IS Claritin/Loratadine?

• Loratadine/Claritin is an antihistamine. Antihistamines prevent sneezing, runny nose, itching and watering of the eyes, and other allergic symptoms.
• Loratadine/Claritin is used to treat allergies, hives (urticaria), and other allergic inflammatory conditions.
• Loratadine/Claritin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I OVERDOSE?

• Symptoms of a loratadine/Claritin overdose include headache, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, nausea, and vomiting.
• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID WHILE TAKING Claritin/Loratadine?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Although unlikely, loratadine/Claritin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

WHAT OTHER DRUGS WILL AFFECT Claritin/Loratadine?

• There are no known interactions between loratadine/Claritin and other medications. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, during treatment with loratadine/Claritin .

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT Claritin/Loratadine?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Although unlikely, loratadine/Claritin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities

WHAT SHOULD I DISCUSS WITH MY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE TAKING Claritin/Loratadine?

• Loratadine/Claritin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take loratadine/Claritin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Loratadine/Claritin passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take loratadine/Claritin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• You may not be able to take loratadine/Claritin , or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• The Alavert brand of loratadine/Claritin orally-disintegrating tablets contain 8.4 mg phenylalanine per tablet. Individuals with phenylketonuria may need to monitor their intake of this additive.
• Before taking loratadine/Claritin , tell your doctor if you have shift
  • kidney disease; or
  • ever had an allergic reaction to an antihistamine;
  • liver disease.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS A DOSE?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

HOW SHOULD I TAKE Claritin/Loratadine?

• Loratadine/Claritin is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Store loratadine/Claritin at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Use the loratadine/Claritin rapidly-disintegrating-tablets (Claritin Reditabs) within 6 months of opening the laminated foil pouch, and immediately upon opening the individual tablet blisters.
• Take loratadine/Claritin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the regular Claritin tablets. Swallow them whole.
• To ensure the correct dose, measure the syrup form of loratadine/Claritin with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
• Never take more of this medication than directed. If your symptoms do not improve, talk to your doctor.
• Place the loratadine/Claritin rapidly-disintegrating-tablets (Claritin Reditabs, Alavert) on the tongue and allow them to dissolve. The tablet will disintegrate rapidly. Swallow with or without water.

Claritin/Loratadine SIDE EFFECTS

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking loratadine/Claritin and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention. shift
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • an irregular heartbeat; or
  • seizures.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take loratadine/Claritin and talk to your doctor if you experience shift
  • discoloration of urine.
  • dry mouth;
  • nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort;
  • nervousness;
  • headache;
  • dry skin or itchiness; or
  • drowsiness or dizziness;
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.