Claritin-D

What is the most important information I should know about Claritin D?

• Take Claritin D on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after food.
  

What is Claritin D?

• Loratadine is an antihistamine. It works against the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. Loratadine prevents sneezing; runny nose; itching, watery eyes; and other allergic symptoms.
• Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries). By decreasing blood flow, it decreases congestion.
• Claritin D is used to relieve symptoms of allergic conditions.
• Claritin D may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
  

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Claritin D?

• Do not take Claritin D if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.
• Before taking Claritin D, 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 D, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Claritin D 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 D without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Loratadine passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Claritin D without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• Claritin D has not been approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age.
  

How should I take Claritin D?

• Take Claritin D exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Take Claritin D on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
• Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.
• Never take more of this medication than is directed by your doctor. If your symptoms are not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.
• Store Claritin D at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
  

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
  

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid while taking Claritin D?

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

What are the possible side effects of Claritin D?

• Serious side effects are not likely to occur with the use of Claritin D. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Claritin D 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 D 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.
  

What other drugs will affect Claritin D?

• Do not take Claritin D if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
  · a heart medication such as propranolol (Inderal), metoprolol (Lopressor), digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps), reserpine (Serpasil), or methyldopa (Aldomet);
  · a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); or
  · caffeine, amphetamines, decongestants, or diet pills.
• You may not be able to take Claritin D, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Claritin D. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
  

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about Claritin D written for health professionals that you may read.