CLARITIN

Who is Claritin for ?

Loratadine, an antihistamine, is used to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms, including sneezing; runny nose; and red, itchy, tearing eyes. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Loratadine treats allergy symptoms by preventing histamine from binding to histamine (H1) receptors, thereby blocking the histamine reaction. Histamine is a substance in the body that stimulates the production of mucus and the dilation of blood vessels. Allergy sufferers recognize histamine's effects as a runny nose and swollen nasal passages.

When should I be careful taking Claritin ?

Before taking loratadine,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to loratadine or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially erythromycin (E-mycin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), medications for asthma or colds, medications for depression, muscle relaxants, pain medications, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking loratadine, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking loratadine.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Loratadine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Side Effects

Although side effects from loratadine are not common, they can occur. You may have discolored urine; this effect is harmless. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• dry mouth, nose, and throat
• drowsiness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• rapid heartbeat
• difficulty urinating
• vision problems
• dizziness
• muscle weakness