Claritin
Loratadine is used for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal and chronic allergies, including sneezing, itchy and runny nose, tearing and redness of the eyes, as well as itching and hives. It starts working within 1-2 hours and lasts for 24 hours.
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Direction
How should I use Claritin?
Tablets: For adults and children 12 years of age and older, the recommended dose of loratadine tablets is 10 mg once daily. The regular tablets may be taken with or without food. The Rapid Dissolve Tongue Tablets should be taken on an empty stomach. Water or other liquids are not necessary with the Rapid Dissolve Tongue Tablets.
Syrup: A liquid form of loratadine is available for children two years of age and older, as well as adults who are unable to swallow tablets. The recommended dose of loratadine syrup for adults and children over 10 years of age (weighing more than 30 kg) is 10 mL (10 mg) once daily. The recommended dose for younger children (2 to 9 years of age) weighing 30 kg or less is 5 mL (5 mg) once daily.Loratadine should not be used by children less than 2 years of age.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important that this medication be taken on a regular schedule exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Side Effect
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your health professional. They may be able to help you to deal with some of the effects.
The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medication; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.
* Less common abdominal pain
* drowsiness
* dry mouth
* fatigue
* headache
* nausea
* upset stomach
* Rare coughing
* dizziness
* hair loss
* increased appetite
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:
* Less common or rare fast or irregular heartbeat
* increased sweating
* nervousness or restlessness (especially in children)
* rash
* shortness of breath
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Precaution
Drowsiness: Loratadine usually causes minimal drowsiness when used as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Studies have shown that loratadine does not cause drowsiness under normal circumstances. People taking higher-than-recommended doses of loratadine may experience drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery if you become drowsy while taking this medication.
Liver function: People with reduced liver function should take lower doses of this medication. Ask the doctor if you should take a lower dose of this medication.
Pregnancy: There are few adequate studies on the use of loratadine by pregnant women. Therefore, the use of this medication during pregnancy is not recommended unless you and your doctor decide that the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast-feeding: Loratadine passes into breast milk. This medication should not be used by nursing mothers unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the baby.
Children: The safety and efficacy of loratadine in children younger than 2 years of age is not known. Therefore, loratadine should not be used by children less than two years of age. For children 12 years of age or younger, do not give this medication for longer than 14 days without consulting the doctor.