Claritin (Loratidine)

What is the brand name for this medicine?
Claritin

What is this medicine used for?
For the relief of allergy symptoms called seasonal allergic rhinitis. This medicine may also be used for a rash or hives. Claritin is approved for patients 6 years and older.

How is this medicine taken?
Follow the directions that your doctor has given you. Claritin is taken once daily on an empty stomach. Take the medication about the same time every day.

What if I miss a dose?
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

How is this medicine stored?
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Keep away from heat and light.

Are there side effects?
This medicine is generally well tolerated with few side effects. The most commonly reported side effects are headache, fatigue and dry mouth. While taking this medicine, if you experience, chest tightness, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, swelling in the face or lips, go to the doctor immediately and stop taking the medication until you have talked to your doctor.

Are there precautions with this medicine?
Report dizziness, heart palpitations or chest pain when using this medicine.  
 
Can I take this medicine if I’m pregnant or breast-feeding?
Discuss with your doctor the benefits versus the risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in the breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you plan to breast-feed.

Can I take this medicine with other medicines?
Yes, but talk to your doctor. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) and Cimetidine (Tagamet) can increase the amounts of this medicine in the blood. Loratidine does interact with some antifungal and some macrolide antibiotics, however no serious effects have been reported.