Loratadine

What do loratadine tablets do?

LORATADINE (Claritin(R), Claritin(R) Reditab) is an antihistamine. It relieves the symptoms of hay fever (sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes), and may help treat hives and associated itching of the skin. A generic tablet is not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I take loratadine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: asthma, liver disease, an unusual or allergic reaction to loratadine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives, pregnant or trying to get pregnant, breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take loratadine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. You may take this medicine with food. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

If you are taking the Claritin(R) Reditab: Place the Claritin(R) Reditab on your tongue, allow to dissolve completely and then swallow. You can take the Reditab with or without water.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine may be used in children as young as 6 years old; younger children can receive the syrup form of this medicine.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double doses.

What other medicines can interact with loratadine?

The following medicines can make you feel drowsy:

        •  alcohol

        •  barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)

        •  medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam

        •  medicines for hay fever and other allergies

        •  medicines for mental depression

        •  medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances

        •  medicines for pain

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking loratadine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

        •  unusual restlessness or nervousness in children

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

        •  dry mouth

        •  headache

        •  tiredness

What do I need to watch for while I take loratadine?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 1 to 2 days.

Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how loratadine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature or between 2 and 25 degrees C (36 and 77 degrees F). Keep the Claritin(R) Reditabs in the foil pouch until ready to use. Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.