Loratadine Oral tablet Health Article

Generic name(s):

Loratadine Oral tablet

Brand name(s):

Alavert, Alavert Allergy, Allergy Relief (Loratadine), Claritin, Claritin 24 Hour Allergy, Claritin Hives Relief, Claritin Reditab, Clear-Atadine, Clear-Atadine Children's, Dimetapp ND, Loratadine Reditab, Non-Drowsy Allergy Relief, Tavist ND, Wal-itin, ohm Allergy Relief

What is this medicine?

LORATADINE (lor AT a deen) is an antihistamine. It helps to relieve sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies. It is also used to treat itchy skin rash and hives.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to loratadine, other antihistamines, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the label. You may take this medicine with food or on an empty stomach. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be used in children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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 or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• other medicines for colds or allergies

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• unusually restless or nervous

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

• drowsiness
• dry or irritated mouth or throat
• headache

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.