Why is this drug prescribed?
Claritin is an antihistamine that relieves the sneezing, runny nose, stuffiness, itching, and tearing eyes caused by hay fever. It is also prescribed for relief of the swollen, red, itchy patches of skin labeled chronic hives.
Most important fact about this drug
If you have liver or kidney disease, your doctor should prescribe a lower starting dose of Claritin.
How should you take this medication?
Claritin is available in syrup, regular tablets, and rapidly dissolving tablets called Reditabs. The Reditabs should be placed on the tongue rather than swallowed. They disintegrate rapidly and can be taken with or without water.
--If you miss a dose...
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed. Never take two doses at the same time.
--Storage instructions...
Claritin can be stored at room temperature. The Reditabs should be kept in a dry place. Use them within 6 months after opening the foil pouch in which they are packed. Take each tablet immediately after removing it from its individual blister.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Claritin.
- More common side effects may include:
Dry mouth, fatigue, headache, sleepiness
- Less common or rare side effects may include:
Abdominal discomfort or pain, abnormal dreams, agitation, anxiety, back pain, blurred vision, breast enlargement, breast pain, bronchitis, change in salivation, change in taste, chest pain, confusion, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), constipation, coughing, coughing up blood, decreased sensitivity to stimulation, decreased sex drive, depression, diarrhea, difficult or labored breathing, difficulty concentrating, difficulty speaking, discoloration of urine, dizziness, dry hair, dry skin, earache, eye pain, fainting, fatigue, fever, flushing, gas, general feeling of illness, hair loss, hepatitis, hiccups, high blood pressure, hives, hyperactivity, impotence, increased appetite, increased or decreased eye tearing, increased sweating, indigestion, inflammation of the mouth, insomnia, irritability, itching, joint pain, laryngitis, leg cramps, loss of appetite, loose stools, low blood pressure, memory loss, menstrual changes, migraine, muscle pain, nasal congestion or dryness, nausea, nervousness, nosebleeds, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, rash, ringing in ears, seizures, sensitivity to light, sinus inflammation, skin inflammation, sneezing, sore throat, stiffness, stomach inflammation, swelling, thirst, tingling, toothache, tremor, twitching of the eye, upper respiratory infection, urinary changes, vaginal inflammation, vertigo, viral infection, vomiting, weakness, weight gain, wheezing, yellow eyes and skin
Why should this drug not be prescribed?
Do not take Claritin if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to it. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced.
Special warnings about this medication
This medication may cause excessive sleepiness in people with liver or kidney disease, or older adults, and should be used with caution.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
Although no harmful interactions with Claritin have been reported, there is a theoretical possibility of an interaction with the following drugs:
Antibiotics such as erythromycin
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Claritin during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Claritin appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Claritin is finished.
Recommended dosage
ADULTS AND CHILDREN 6 YEARS OF AGE AND OVER The usual dose is 10 milligrams once a day, taken as 1 tablet or 2 teaspoonfuls of syrup. In people with liver or kidney disease, the usual dose is 10 milligrams every other day.
CHILDREN 2 TO 5 The usual dose is 1 teaspoonful of syrup once a day. If the child has kidney or liver problems, give 1 teaspoonful every other day.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
- Symptoms of Claritin overdose may include:
Headache, rapid heartbeat, sleepiness
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