loratadine Health Article

Generic name(s):

loratadine

Brand name(s):

Alavert, Claritin, Claritin 24 Hour Allergy, Claritin Hives Relief, Claritin Reditab, Clear-Atadine, Clear-Atadine Children's, Dimetapp ND, Tavist ND, Wal-itin

What is the most important information I should know about loratadine?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to loratadine or to desloratadine (Clarinex).

Before taking loratadine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver or kidney disease.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old without the advice of a doctor.

Loratadine disintegrating tablets (Claritin Reditab) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of loratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

What is loratadine?

Loratadine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Loratadine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. It is also used to treat skin hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions.

Loratadine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking loratadine?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to loratadine or to desloratadine (Clarinex).

Before taking loratadine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take loratadine.

FDA pregnancy category B: This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Loratadine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Loratadine disintegrating tablets (Claritin Reditab, Alavert) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of loratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old without the advice of a doctor.

How should I take loratadine?

Take this medication as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Loratadine is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not crush, chew, or break the regular loratadine tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

Measure liquid form of loratadine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

To take loratadine orally disintegrating tablet (Claritin RediTab, Alavert):

• Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.

• Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it on your tongue. It will begin to dissolve right away.

• Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.

• Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink water to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Store loratadine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.