Drug Uses

Claritin is used to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, and red, itchy, tearing eyes. Claritin is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Claritin may cause less drowsiness than other antihistamines.

 How Taken

Claritin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. 12 Hour Tablet: One tablet twice a day (every 12 hours); 24 Hour Tablet: One tablet daily taken with a full glass of water. You should not to break or chew the tablet and you should take the 24 hour tablet with a full glass of water.

 Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Claritin, tell your doctor if you have asthma or another lung disease; diabetes; thyroid problems; glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye; urinary retention or an enlarged prostate; narrowing of the esophagus or gastrointestinal tract or difficulty swallowing; kidney or liver disease; or heart disease, high blood pressure, or an irregular heartbeat. You may not be able to take Claritin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Claritin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Claritin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Claritin passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Claritin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Claritin has not been approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age.

 Missed 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.

 Possible Side Effects

Serious side effects are not likely to occur with the use of Claritin. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Claritin and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); an irregular heartbeat; or seizures. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Claritin and talk to your doctor if you experience dizziness; headache; insomnia; nervousness; nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort; dry mouth; dry skin or itchiness; or discoloration of urine. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 Storage

Protect Claritin from light and store in a dry place. Store between 15-25°C (59-77°F).

 Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Claritin overdose include headache, drowsiness, an irregular heartbeat, nausea and vomiting, sweating, increased thirst, weakness, and restlessness.

 More Information

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Claritin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these

 Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.