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Claritin |
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What is Claritin and why is it prescribed? Claritin is an antihistamine that relieves the sneezing, runny nose, stuffiness, itching, and tearing eyes caused by hay fever. It is also prescribed for relief of the swollen, red, itchy patches of skin labeled chronic hives. If you have liver or kidney disease, your doctor should prescribe a lower starting dose of Claritin. How should you take Claritin? Follow your doctors directions for taking Claritin. Claritin is available in syrup, regular tablets, and rapidly dissolving tablets called Reditabs. The Reditabs should be placed on the tongue rather than swallowed. They disintegrate rapidly and can be taken with or without water. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed. Never take two doses at the same time. Claritin can be stored at room temperature. The Reditabs should be kept in a dry place. Use them within 6 months after opening the foil pouch in which they are packed. Take each tablet immediately after removing it from its individual blister. Are there any Claritin side effects? Claritin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Claritin side effects may include dry mouth, fatigue, headache, and sleepiness. Less common or rare Claritin side effects may include abdominal discomfort or pain, abnormal dreams, agitation, anxiety, back pain, blurred vision, breast enlargement, breast pain, bronchitis, change in salivation, change in taste, chest pain, confusion, conjunctivitis, constipation, coughing, coughing up blood, decreased sensitivity to stimulation, decreased sex drive, depression, diarrhea, difficult or labored breathing, difficulty concentrating, difficulty speaking, discoloration of urine, dizziness, dry hair, dry skin, earache, eye pain, fainting, fatigue, fever, flushing, gas, general feeling of illness, hair loss, hepatitis, hiccups, high blood pressure, hives, hyperactivity, impotence, increased appetite, increased or decreased eye tearing, increased sweating, indigestion, inflammation of the mouth, insomnia, irritability, itching, joint pain, laryngitis, leg cramps, loss of appetite, loose stools, low blood pressure, memory loss, menstrual changes, migraine, muscle pain, nasal congestion or dryness, nausea, nervousness, nosebleeds, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, rash, ringing in ears, seizures, sensitivity to light, sinus inflammation, skin inflammation, sneezing, sore throat, stiffness, stomach inflammation, swelling, thirst, tingling, toothache, tremor, twitching of the eye, upper respiratory infection, urinary changes, vaginal inflammation, vertigo, viral infection, vomiting, weakness, weight gain, wheezing, and yellow eyes and skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Claritin? If Claritin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Although no harmful interactions with Claritin have been reported, there is a theoretical possibility of an interaction with the following drugs: Antibiotics such as erythromycin, Cimetidine (Tagamet), and Ketoconazole (Nizoral). Are there any special warnings about Claritin? Claritin may cause excessive sleepiness in people with liver or kidney disease, or older adults, and should be used with caution. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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