Claritin: Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

Claritin (loratadine) is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms like:

  • Sneezing
  • Itching
  • Watery eyes
  • Runny nose

Histamine stimulates the cells to release chemicals, including welts, itching, and tissue swelling, that produce effects that we associate with allergy.

Claritin Tablet Uses

  • Claritin is used to alleviate the effects of hay fever (allergy to airborne pollen, dust, or other substances).
  • Temporarily alleviates symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis), such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, nose, or throat.
  • Claritin 10mg is also used for relieving itching and redness caused by hives. However, it does not prevent hives or other severe allergic skin reactions.
  • Claritin is an antihistamine that blocks the action of histamine, a substance that causes allergic reactions in the body. It is also available in conjunction with pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, others).

Claritin Side effects

Some of the common side effects of Claritin are:

  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Nose bleed
  • Sore throat
  • Mouth sores
  • Weakness
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Red or itchy eyes

Some of the serious side effects of Claritin are:

  • Rash
  • Hives
  • Itching
  • Swelling of the eyes
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Wheezing

Claritin Tablet Composition

Active Ingredient:

  • Loratadine 10 mg: A modern antihistamine that helps in relieving allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itching.

Inactive Ingredients (Excipients):

  • Lactose Monohydrate: Works as a filler and stabilizer.
  • Magnesium Stearate: Prevents the tablet from sticking during manufacturing.
  • Corn Starch: Helps bind the tablet and ensures proper dissolving.
  • Hypromellose: Used as a coating for controlled release.
  • Titanium Dioxide: Gives the tablet a white appearance.
  • Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): Used in coating for easy swallowing.

Precautions

  • Discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to Claritin active ingredient (loratadine) or other medications.
  • The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems.
  • Before using Claritin, talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as Kidney disease or Liver disease.

How should I take Claritin?

Forms Available:

  • Comes as a syrup (liquid), a pill, and a rapidly disintegrating (dissolving) tablet.

Dosage Instructions:

  • Take Claritin once a day, with or without food, exactly as directed by your doctor or as indicated on the package label.

Avoid Excess Dosage:

  • Do not exceed the prescribed dose or take it more frequently than instructed, as this may cause drowsiness.

Taking the Disintegrating Tablet:

  • Follow package instructions to remove the tablet from the blister package without damaging it.
  • Place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve, then swallow with or without water.

Warnings:

  • Do not use Claritin for severe hives that are bruised, blistered, or discoloured, or if they do not itch.
  • Contact your doctor if you experience such hives.
  • Stop taking Claritin and consult your doctor if hives do not improve within 3 days or persist beyond 6 weeks.
  • Consult your doctor if the cause of your hives is unknown.

Claritin Dosage & Administration

Claritin dosage depends on the patient’s age and condition:

  • Claritin dose for adults and children over 6 years: 10 mg once daily.
  • Claritin dose for kids (ages 2 to 6 years): 5 mg once daily.
  • Claritin tablet dosage: Can be taken with or without food.

For Claritin syrup, follow the prescribed measurement using a dosing spoon or cup.

Interactions

  • Drug interactions can change or disturb the way your medications work or put you at risk for serious side effects. Keep a record of everything you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
  • Inform your doctor if you are taking any other drowsy medications, such as antihistamines ( cetirizine, diphenhydramine), sleep or anxiety medications (alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, or opioid pain relievers.

Overdose

Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Claritin tablets, there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.

Missed Dose

  • If a dose is missing, take it as soon as you remember. If the time for the next dose is close, skip the skipped dose.
  • At your regular time, take your next dose. To catch up, do not double the dose.

Storage

  • Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects.
  • The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. It should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).

Cabergoline vs Bromocriptine

Cabergoline Bromocriptine
Formula: C26H37N5O2 Formula: C32H40BrN5O5
Molecular Weight: 451.6 g/mol Molar mass: 654.595 g/mol
Elimination half-life: 63–69 hours (estimated) Elimination half-life: 12-14 hours
Cabergoline is an ergot derivative Bromocriptine is an ergoline derivative
Cabergoline is used to treat various forms of medical conditions caused by the development of too much of the hormone prolactin. Used in the treatment of pituitary tumors, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, hyperprolactinemia, and, as an adjunct, type 2 diabetes.
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