Claritin

Loratadine, sold under the brand names Claritin and Claritin-D (which contains loratadine plus pseudoephedrine), is an over-the-counter antihistamine medication.

The drug is often used to treat nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis) and hives (urticaria).

Antihistamines work by blocking the release of histamine, a chemical your body naturally produces when it is exposed to something that causes an allergic reaction.

Loratadine was originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 and was originally manufactured by Bayer Healthcare.

Loratadine Warnings

People who are allergic to the drug's active ingredient (loratadine) or any other components in the drug should not take loratadine.

Those born with the rare condition phenylketonuria should also avoid loratadine.

If you have severe kidney disease or poor liver problems, talk to your doctor before taking loratadine.

Pregnancy and Loratadine

Loratadine is a pregnancy category B drug, which means it is should not cause harm to an unborn child.

Regardless, you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking this or any other medication.

You should also alert your physician if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It's not recommended that breastfeeding mothers take this medication.

Loratadine for Dogs

Because loratadine does not tend to cause as much as drowsiness as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), it may be used for dogs with allergies, if your veterinarian approves its use.

Before giving loratadine, make sure that your dog does not have liver disease and is not taking any other antihistamines or medications like cimetidine, erythromycin, or ketoconazole, which may interact with loratadine.

Ask your veterinarian what dose is safe for your dog.

It's also a good idea to give your dog either only the capsules or tablets because the alcohol in the liquid form of loratadine may be too strong for your dog.

Loratadine comes in capsules, tablets, and as syrup. Loratadine should not be given to children under that age 6.

You should not take more than 10 milligram (mg), which is one tablet or capsule and two teaspoons of syrup a day of loratadine, unless directed by your doctor.

Loratadine Overdose

People who take more than the recommended 10 mg of loratadine a day are at greater risk of severe sleepiness, racing heartbeat, and headaches.

Children who take more than the recommended 10 mg of loratadine may actually start to move and behave similarly to people who have Parkinson's disease.

If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. You can get in touch with a poison control center at (800) 222-1222.

Missed Dose of Loratadine

If you miss a dose of Loratadine, try to take it as soon as you remember.

However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Don't double up to make up for a missed dose.

Claritin is an over-the-counter medication used to relieve symptoms due to hay fever or other allergies such as:

• runny nose
• sneezing
• itchy, watery eyes
• itching of the nose or throat

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

• Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about loratadine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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Use Claritin as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• If you are on a low-salt diet (this medicine has salt), talk with your doctor.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with Claritin. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure this medicine.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If you take Claritin on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Many times this medicine is given on an as needed basis. Do not give to your child more often than told by the doctor.

Loratadine 10 mg

Non-Drowsy*
Claritin®
24
Hour

loratadine tablets 10 mg/antihistamine

Indoor & Outdoor Allergies

*When taken as directed.
See Drug Facts Panel.

1 TABLET

You should not take Claritin if you are allergic to loratadine or to desloratadine (Clarinex).

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• asthma;

• kidney disease; or

• liver disease.

Claritin is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Loratadine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old without the advice of a doctor.

Use Claritin exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cold or allergy medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Claritin is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not crush, chew, or break the regular tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

To take the orally disintegrating tablet (Claritin RediTab, Alavert):

• Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take it. Open the package and peel back the foil. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.

• Use dry hands to remove the tablet and place it in your mouth.

• Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Usual Adult Dose of Claritin for Allergic Rhinitis:

10 mg orally once a day

Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria:

10 mg orally once a day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

2 to 5 years: 5 mg orally once a day (syrup)

6 years or older: 10 mg orally once a day (tablets, capsule, and disintegrating tablets)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria:

2 to 5 years: 5 mg orally once a day (syrup)

6 years or older: 10 mg orally once a day (tablets, capsule, and disintegrating tablets)

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Copyright 1996-2018 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 9.02.

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