Why is this medication prescribed?

Claritin (generic name: loratadine) is an antihistamine medication commonly prescribed to relieve symptoms associated with seasonal allergies (hay fever) and allergic skin conditions such as chronic hives. Here’s why it is prescribed and how it should be used:

• Seasonal Allergies (Hay Fever): Claritin is used to alleviate symptoms caused by allergic reactions to pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander. Symptoms may include sneezing, runny or itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the throat or roof of the mouth.
• Chronic Urticaria (Hives): It is also prescribed to treat itching and redness caused by chronic hives, a condition where red, itchy welts appear on the skin.

How should this medicine be used?

Here are general guidelines:

• Dosage: Claritin is typically available in tablets (5 mg and 10 mg), as well as in syrup form (1 mg/mL). The dosage can vary depending on the age of the patient and the condition being treated.
• Usage Instructions:
  • Tablets: The usual dose for adults and children aged 6 years and older is one 10 mg tablet once daily.
  • Syrup: For children aged 2 to 5 years, the recommended dose is 5 mg (one teaspoonful of syrup) once daily.
  • Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Administration: Claritin can be taken with or without food.
• Duration of Use: Use Claritin as directed by your doctor. It is usually taken for a limited period, such as during allergy season, or for the duration prescribed for chronic hives.
• Special Instructions: If you are taking the rapidly-disintegrating tablets (Claritin RediTabs), make sure to handle them with dry hands as they dissolve quickly in the mouth.
• Side Effects: Common side effects may include headache, drowsiness (although less than older antihistamines), and dry mouth. Serious side effects are rare but seek medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing).
• Pregnancy and Nursing: Claritin is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider for individualized advice.

In summary, Claritin (loratadine) is prescribed to relieve symptoms of allergies and hives, and it should be used according to the specific dosage and instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Other uses for this medicine

• Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: This is a condition where hives persist for more than 6 weeks without an identifiable cause. Claritin can help alleviate symptoms in these cases.
• Allergic Rhinitis in Children: Claritin is approved for use in children as young as 2 years old for relief of allergy symptoms.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis: It can sometimes be used to reduce symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergies) along with other treatments.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions:

• Medical Conditions: Before taking Claritin, inform your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, especially liver disease or kidney disease. Adjustments to your dosage may be necessary.
• Drug Interactions: Claritin can interact with certain medications, including ketoconazole and erythromycin. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While Claritin is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it’s advisable to consult your doctor before using any medication during these periods.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Claritin is less likely to cause drowsiness compared to older antihistamines, but some individuals may still experience mild drowsiness. Exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how Claritin affects you.
• Alcohol: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption while taking Claritin, as it can increase the risk of certain side effects such as dizziness.
• Allergic Reactions: If you have had an allergic reaction to loratadine or desloratadine (a metabolite of loratadine), you should not take Claritin.
• Dosage and Administration: Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not exceed the recommended dose unless directed by your healthcare provider.
• Storage: Store Claritin at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep it out of reach of children.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding the use of Claritin, especially if you have specific health concerns or conditions that may affect its safety and efficacy for you.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary instructions for Claritin. It can be taken with or without food. However, if you have any concerns about how food might affect your digestion or absorption of the medication, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you miss a dose of Claritin, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Claritin (loratadine) is generally well-tolerated, but like any medication, it can cause side effects in some people. Here are some potential side effects of Claritin:

• Common Side Effects:
  • Headache
  • Drowsiness (though less common compared to older antihistamines like diphenhydramine)
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
• Less Common Side Effects:
  • Nervousness
  • Dizziness
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Eye redness
• Rare but Serious Side Effects (Seek Medical Attention):
  • Signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat

It’s important to note that serious allergic reactions to Claritin are rare. However, if you experience any severe side effects or signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.

Precautions to Minimize Side Effects:

• Drowsiness: Claritin is less likely to cause drowsiness compared to older antihistamines, but some individuals may still experience this effect. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how Claritin affects you.
• Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption while taking Claritin, as it can increase the risk of certain side effects such as dizziness.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, especially liver disease or kidney disease, as adjustments to your dosage may be necessary.

If you experience any bothersome or persistent side effects while taking Claritin, discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on managing side effects or may suggest an alternative treatment if needed.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Claritin:

• Storage:
  • Store Claritin tablets and syrup at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
  • Keep the medication in its original packaging or container to protect it from light.
  • Keep Claritin out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal:
  • Dispose of expired or unused Claritin properly according to local regulations or guidelines.
  • Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.
  • If you have specific questions about disposal, check with your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Symptoms of Overdose: Overdose symptoms may include headache, drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, and possibly other symptoms. Serious complications from loratadine overdose are rare but can occur, especially in large doses.
• What to Do in Case of Overdose: If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in the United States) right away. Provide as much information as possible about the amount ingested, when it was taken, and any symptoms experienced.

What other information should I know?

• Effectiveness: Claritin is effective in relieving symptoms of seasonal allergies (hay fever), chronic hives, and other allergic conditions. It typically starts working within 1 to 3 hours after ingestion and provides relief for up to 24 hours.
• Avoidance of Certain Activities: While Claritin is less likely to cause drowsiness compared to older antihistamines, some individuals may still experience this side effect. Use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how Claritin affects you.
• Medical Check-ups: Regularly review your treatment with your healthcare provider to ensure Claritin continues to be effective and appropriate for your condition.
• Allergy Testing: If your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment with Claritin, your healthcare provider may recommend allergy testing to identify specific allergens triggering your symptoms.
• Interaction with Other Medications: Claritin can interact with certain medications. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• Allergic Reactions: If you have a known allergy to loratadine or desloratadine (a metabolite of loratadine), do not take Claritin.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the use of Claritin and seek medical advice if you have any concerns or questions about its use or potential side effects.