Loratadine Overview

(lor AT a deen)

Alavert® Allergy 24 Hour [OTC]; Alavert® Children's Allergy [OTC]; Claritin® 24 Hour Allergy [OTC]; Claritin® Children's Allergy [OTC]; Claritin® Hives Relief [OTC] [DSC]; Claritin® Liqui-Gels® 24 Hour Allergy [OTC]; Claritin® RediTabs® 24 Hour Allergy [OTC]; Dimetapp® ND Children's [OTC] [DSC]; Loradamed [OTC]; Tavist® ND Allergy [OTC]

Apo-Loratadine®; Claritin®; Claritin® Kids

Albatrina; Clarityne; Curyken; Dimegan; Dymaten; Efectine; Inigrin; Laritol; Lertamine; Lorimox; Lotan; Neoalexil; Sensibit; Vincidal

Histamine H1 Antagonist; Histamine H1 Antagonist, Second Generation

• Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years of age.

• If you have an allergy to loratadine or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you are breast-feeding.

• Loratadine blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.

• This medicine is most effective if started before contact with the allergen. Take at least 1-3 hours before.

• Take this medicine at a similar time of day.

• Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

• Oral-disintegrating tablet:Place on tongue and let dissolve. Water is not needed. Do not swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

• A liquid (syrup) is available if you cannot swallow pills.

• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis.

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from light.

• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• RediTabs®: After foil pouch is opened, use within 6 months. Once tablet is removed from blister card, use right away.

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 13:47:33.0

Modified: 2010-03-22 09:23:56.0

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