Claritin

Claritin (Loratadine) may be described as a long – acting, anti – histamine medication.

Furthermore, Claritin (Loratadine) may also be described as a white to off – white powder, which dissolves easily in acetone, alcohol and chloroform. However, this medication does not dissolve in water.

Claritin (Loratadine) is used to help effectively treat hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis), hives (urticaria) and other varied allergy symptoms.

Claritin (Loratadine) is available in tablet form, in the 10mg strength which must be taken by mouth, with or without food or exactly as directed by your health care professional.

Furthermore, you must be sure to follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and ask your health care professional or pharmacist to explain any part of Claritin (Loratadine) you do not understand. You must also be sure to take this medication exactly as directed and refrain from taking a greater or lesser quantity of this medication or altogether taking this medication more or less often than prescribed by your health care professional. Be sure that you do not suddenly discontinue Claritin (Loratadine) without prior confirmation from your health care professional. Your dose must be gradually decreased, since certain conditions may worsen when this medication is abruptly discontinued. You must also be aware that the use of Claritin (Loratadine) is not recommended in the case of children who are less than 18 years of age, since this medication may cause nervousness and unusual restlessness.

While on an ongoing course of Claritin (Loratadine) if you notice any of the symptoms listed below or any other symptoms which may seem severe or persistent, you must contact your health care professional.

Sometimes, Claritin (Loratadine) may cause the patient to experience insomnia, drowsiness, a dry mouth, headaches, fatigue, anxiety, gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary retention and disorientation.

Furthermore, Claritin (Loratadine) may cause the patient to experience lower back pain, body tremors, palpitations, skin rashes, photosensitivity, diarrhea, heartburn, abdominal discomfort and vomiting.

If you are on an ongoing course of Claritin (Loratadine) before you commence taking any new medication (either prescription or OTC), you must first consult your health care professional or pharmacist.

Furthermore, you must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are allergic to Claritin (Loratadine) or any other medication in any other form. Your health care professional must also be informed if you are taking any other medication in any other form, including nutritional supplements or herbal products whilst on an ongoing course of this medication.

Sometimes, Claritin (Loratadine) also interacts with various medications, such as Pseudoephedrine, Erythromycin, Cimetidine, Ketoconazole, certain antibiotics and medications used to treat fungal infections and HIV/AIDS infections.

In case of an overdose of Claritin (Loratadine), call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Furthermore, an overdose of Claritin (Loratadine) may cause one to experience unusual drowsiness, palpitations or severe headaches.

Your health care professional may order certain laboratory and/or medical tests to be performed, such as blood pressure levels, smooth functioning of the kidneys, blood electrolyte levels and blood cholesterol levels to check your response to Claritin (Loratadine), monitor your progress and check for side effects. You must be sure to keep all appointments with your health care professional and the laboratory. Do not let anyone else take your prescribed dosage of Claritin (Loratadine) and ask your health care professional or pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Furthermore, if you need to undergo any kind of surgery including dental surgery, or you conceive whilst on a course of Claritin (Loratadine) inform your health care professional. You must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are pregnant, breast feeding or planning to conceive. It is unknown whether Claritin (Loratadine) passes into breast milk or not.

Lastly, avoid consuming alcohol and beverages containing even a small percentage of alcohol whilst on an ongoing course of Claritin (Loratadine). It is important that you do not discontinue this medication without first consulting your health care professional. While on an ongoing course of Claritin (Loratadine), you must also refrain from driving a car or operating any kind of machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

It is important that you do not take a double dose of Claritin (Loratadine) to make up for a missed one unless you have consulted your health care professional.

Sometimes, Claritin (Loratadine) is also used to help in the effective treatment of the common cold, a runny nose, watery eyes or incessant sneezing. Furthermore, you must speak with your health care professional about the possible risks of using Claritin (Loratadine) for your condition and be sure to consult your health care professional or pharmacist for more information, since this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses.

Store Claritin (Loratadine) in the container it came in, keep the lid tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature (between 59 – 86 degrees F or 15 – 30 degrees C) and away from excess heat and moisture.

Furthermore, you must be sure to throw away any Claritin (Loratadine) medication that has gotten outdated or is no longer required. But, speak with your pharmacist or health care professional, or consult your local waste disposal company about the proper method by which you can safely and effectively discard your unused Claritin (Loratadine) medication.

It is important for the patient to know that before consuming Claritin (Loratadine); they must inform their health care professional, if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from asthma, kidney complications, renal impairment, epilepsy, liver complications or Phenylketonuria (PKU).