Indications
Claritin or its generic alternative Loratadine is an over-the-counter antihistamine medication that works well to relieve allergy symptoms. It may be used alone or in combination with other medications to treat hives and chronic skin reactions. Claritin is indicated for the management of hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies.
Claritin belongs to a class of drugs known as antihistamine which used to reduce the effects of histamine, a natural chemical produced in the body. Histamine is responsible for causing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. This medication is used to treat the above-mentioned symptoms caused by hay fever, hives, skin rash, cold or other allergies.
Claritin contains the active ingredient Loratadine, which works to reduce symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itching caused by several types of allergies. Claritin is a non-prescription drug, making it easily accessible for people with allergies.
Uses and Dosage
Claritin is available in tablet form, which can typically be chewed and taken once daily with or without food. It is important to adhere to the instructions for loratadine use as indicated on the package label or as directed by a physician, and to not take more or less of the medication or take it more frequently than recommended. Taking an excessive dose of loratadine may lead to drowsiness.
The recommended dose of Claritin for adults and children aged 6 and above is 10 mg orally once daily. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 10 mg. For children aged 2 to 6, the recommended dose is 5 mg orally once daily with the maximum daily dose not exceeding 5 mg. For children under 2 years of age, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare provider for the appropriate dose.
Side Effects
Loratadine (Claritin) is generally associated with fewer side effects, such as drowsiness, compared to other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec). Patients should be advised to adhere to the recommended dosage to minimize the risk of adverse effects.
Claritin may cause serious side effects including:
- Fast or uneven heart rate
- Severe headache
- Feeling lightheaded
The most common side effects of Claritin include:
- Headache
- Feeling tired or drowsy
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Feeling nervous or hyperactive
Form and Strength
Claritin and its Generic Alternatives Loratadine - non-Rx) come forms and strengths:
Claritin: Tablet
- 10 mg
Loratadine - non-Rx: Tablet
- 10 mg
Cautions
- Do not use it if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients.
- Before taking Claritin, it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have ever had kidney or liver disease. Additionally, the chewable tablet of this medication contains phenylalanine and could be a health risk for those with phenylketonuria (PKU).
- Taking an excessive dose of loratadine (Claritin) or using multiple medications that contain an antihistamine (including topical products) can result in an accidental overdose, potentially leading to serious side effects such as seizures, hallucinations, or even death. It is therefore important to adhere to the recommended dosage and to not combine antihistamine medications.
- Loratadine (Claritin) may be prescribed to pregnant and nursing women, however, the potential risks of using this drug must be carefully weighed against the potential benefits. Before use, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if you are pregnant or lactating.
- Claritin should be kept out of the reach of children. In the event of an overdose, medical help should be sought, or a Poison Control Center should be contacted immediately.
- Taking Loratadine (Claritin) may lead to drowsiness, which can impair your ability to focus, think, or react. This side effect may be more likely to occur if alcohol is consumed while taking this medication, or if other medications that cause sleepiness (e.g., opioids, certain anxiety medications, sleep medications) are also used. It is important to be aware of how this medication affects you before engaging in any activities that require concentration such as driving or operating machinery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What time of day should I take Claritin?
Do not take more than one dose every 12 hours if you are using a 12-hour product, or one dose every 24 hours if you are using a 24-hour product.
What should I avoid while taking Claritin?
Mixing Claritin and alcohol can cause side effects. The safest option is to avoid alcohol altogether when taking Claritin and similar medications.
How quickly does Claritin start working?
For most people, Claritin begins working within three hours after taking it.
How long does Claritin stay in your system?
Claritin may have residual effects for 1 to 4 days after stopping daily use.
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