Wal-itin

Loratadine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Loratadine is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other cold or allergy symptoms.

Loratadine is also used to treat skin hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions.

Loratadine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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.

Use 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.

Loratadine 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.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Applies to loratadine: oral capsule, oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet disintegrating

General

The most commonly reported side effects included headache, somnolence nervousness, and fatigue.[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 12%)
Common (1% to 10%): Sedation/somnolence
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Dizziness, convulsion
Frequency not reported: Syncope, paresthesia[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Nervousness
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Insomnia
Frequency not reported: Depression, paroniria[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue
Frequency not reported: Fever, viral infection, tinnitus, malaise[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Dry mouth
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Nausea, gastritis
Frequency not reported: Dyspepsia, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal/gastric pain, altered taste, increased saliva[Ref]

Metabolic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased appetite[Ref]

Dermatologic

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Angioedema, rash, alopecia
Frequency not reported: Pruritus, rash on face[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Increased frequency of urination, urine discoloration, menstruation delay[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Tachycardia, palpitation
Frequency not reported: Hypertension, hypotension, chest pain[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylaxis[Ref]

Hepatic

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Abnormal hepatic function[Ref]

Respiratory

Frequency not reported: Epistaxis, nasal dryness, pharyngitis, coughing[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Frequency not reported: Myalgia[Ref]

Some side effects of Wal-itin may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.