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Why is Claritin prescribed?

Claritin relieves itchy, red, irritated, watery eyes; runny nose; sneezing; and itchy skin caused by hay fever and allergies. It also is used for motion sickness, before and after surgery as a sedative to relieve apprehension, and to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting.

Loratadine is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should Claritin be used?

Claritin comes as a tablet, oral liquid, and rectal suppository. For allergies, Claritin usually is taken at bedtime or before meals and at bedtime. For motion sickness, it is taken 30-60 minutes before departure and again if needed in 8-12 hours. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Claritin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking claritin,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Claritin or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially medications for depression, seizures, colds, or allergies; muscle relaxants; pain medication; sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had difficulty urinating (an enlarged prostate), glaucoma, epilepsy (seizures), ulcers, asthma or lung disease, high blood pressure, or heart or liver disease.
• before giving Claritin to a child, tell the doctor and pharmacist if you have a family history of sudden infant death syndrome (crib death) or if you regularly have difficulty waking the child.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Claritin, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Claritin.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Loratadine affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
• tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of Loratadine.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Claritin cause?

Although side effects from Claritin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dry mouth
• drowsiness
• confusion
• fatigue
• difficulty coordinating movements
• stuffy nose

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• vision problems
• ringing in the ears
• tremors
• insomnia
• excitement
• restlessness
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• skin rash

What storage conditions are needed for Claritin?

Keep Loratadine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.