What is Claritin?
Claritin (loratadine) is an antihistamine that decreases the effects of histamine, a natural drug, on the body. Symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose can occur with histamine. Histamine is a drug that triggers many of the symptoms and signs of an allergy. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells (mast cells) and binds to other cells on their surfaces that have histamine receptors. Histamine stimulates the cells to release chemicals, including welts, itching, and tissue swelling, that produce effects that we associate with allergy.
Claritin Uses
Claritin is used to alleviate the effects of hay fever (allergy to airborne pollen, dust, or other substances) and other allergies on a temporary basis. Sneezing, runny nose, and scratching of the eyes, nose, or throat contain these signs. Claritin is also used to treat hives-induced itching and redness. Claritin does not, however, prevent hives or other allergic reactions to the skin.
Claritin belongs to a class of medicines called antihistamines. It functions by blocking the action of histamine, a material causing allergic reactions in the body. Also available in conjunction with pseudoephedrine is Claritin (Sudafed, others).
Claritin Side effects
Some of the common side effects of Claritin are:
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nose bleed
- Sore throat
- Mouth sores
- Weakness
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Red or itchy eyes
Some of the serious side effects of Claritin are:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of the eyes
- Difficulty in breathing
- Wheezing
Precautions
Before taking Claritin talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before using Claritin talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as Kidney disease or Liver disease.
How should I take Claritin?
Claritin comes as a mouth-taking syrup (liquid), a pill, and a quickly disintegrating (dissolving) tablet. It is normally taken with or without food once a day. Claritin should be taken exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor on the package label or as recommended. You can experience drowsiness if you take more Claritin than recommended.
Follow the packaging instructions to detach the tablet from the blister package without damaging the tablet if you are taking the rapidly disintegrating tablet. Do not attempt to break through the foil with the tablet. Place it immediately on your tongue after you remove the tablet from the blister packet and close your mouth. The tablet can dissolve easily and can be swallowed with water or without water.
Do not use Claritin to treat bruised or blistered hives, which are irregular in colour, or which do not itch. Call your doctor if you have hives of this sort. If your hives do not improve within the first 3 days of your medication, or if your hives last longer than 6 weeks, stop taking Claritin and contact your doctor. Call your doctor if you do not know the cause of your hives.
Dosage of Claritin
For adults and children older than six years, the normal dose of Claritin is 10 mg daily. The dosage is 5 mg daily for children 2 to 6 years of age.
Interactions
Drug interactions can change or disturb the way your medications work or put you at risk for serious side effects. Keep a record of everything you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
Inform your doctor if you are taking any other drowsy medications, such as antihistamines ( cetirizine, diphenhydramine), sleep, or anxiety medications (alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, or opioid pain relievers.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Claritin tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on yourbody’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Missed Dose
If a dose is missing, take it as soon as you remember. If the time for the next dose is close, skip the skipped dose. At your normal time, take your next dose. To catch up, do not double the dose.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
