Information About Claritin

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

LORATADINE WITH PSEUDOEPHEDRINE 24 HOUR TABLET - ORAL (lor-AT-uh-deen WITH sue-doh-eff-ED-rin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Claritin-D

USES: Loratadine is an antihistamine that provides relief from symptoms of seasonal and allergic rhinitis (e.g., hay fever) such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes and sneezing. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that relieves congestion, promotes sinus draining and improves breathing.

HOW TO USE: Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew or crush the tablet, as doing so will destroy the long action and may increase the side effects. Do not increase the dose or take this more frequently than prescribed.

SIDE EFFECTS: May cause difficulty in sleeping, dry mouth, mild stomach upset, headache, nervousness, dizziness, loss of appetite or thirst. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Loratadine does not usually cause drowsiness when used at recommended doses and under normal circumstances. However, be sure of the drug's effects before engaging in activities that require alertness. Notify your doctor if you develop: heart pounding, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, ringing in the ears, difficulty urinating. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: If you have glaucoma, diabetes, difficulty urinating, an enlarged prostate gland, heart, kidney, liver, or respiratory disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid gland or have serious difficulty in swallowing, do not use this drug unless your doctor knows of your medical condition. Limit alcohol intake, as it may intensify drug side effects. This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. It is not known if this medication is found in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take, especially of: high blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, other cold or allergy medicines. Do not take this drug if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within the last two weeks. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, shakiness, sweating, insomnia, hallucinations, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and seizures.

NOTES: Do not share this product with others.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the doses.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.