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Claritin

(loratadine)

In this factsheet:
• How does Claritin work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Claritin?
• What form(s) does Claritin come in?
• Who should NOT take Claritin?
• What side effects are possible with Claritin?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Claritin?
• What other drugs could interact with Claritin?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

What side effects are possible with Claritin?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• diarrhea
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• fatigue
• headache
• heartburn
• nausea
• nervousness or restlessness (especially in children)
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• pounding, fast, or irregular heartbeat
• seizures
• stomach discomfort
• symptoms of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face and throat
• signs of liver problems:
  • dark urine
  • diarrhea
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea
  • pale stools
  • skin itching
  • vomiting
  • weight loss
  • yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Claritin?

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take this medication.

Drowsiness: Loratadine usually causes minimal drowsiness when used as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Studies have shown that loratadine does not cause drowsiness under normal circumstances. People taking higher-than-recommended doses of loratadine may experience drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery if you become drowsy while taking this medication.

Liver problems: If you have reduced liver function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with severely reduced liver function should take a lower dose (5 mg once daily or 10 mg every other day) of this medication.

Pregnancy: The safety of using this medication during pregnancy has not been established. Women who are pregnant should not use this medication. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: The safety of loratadine has not been established for women who are breast-feeding. Women who are breast-feeding should not take loratadine.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children younger than 2 years of age. For children 12 years of age or younger, do not give this medication for longer than 14 days, unless recommended by a doctor.

What other drugs could interact with Claritin?

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

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