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Why is Loratadine
prescribed? Loratadine 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.
Most important fact about
Loratadine If you have liver or kidney disease, your doctor
should prescribe a lower starting dose of
Loratadine.
How should you take Loratadine?
Take
Loratadine only as directed.
--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.
--Storage instructions...
Loratadine can be stored at room
temperature.
What side effects may occur? Side
effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in
intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your
doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking
Loratadine.
More common side effects may
include: Dry mouth, fatigue, headache, sleepiness Less
common or rare 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 (pinkeye), 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, yellow eyes and
skin
Why should Loratadine not be
prescribed? Do not take Loratadine if you are sensitive to
or have ever had an allergic reaction to it. Make sure your
doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have
experienced.
Special warnings about Loratadine This
medication may cause excessive sleepiness in people with liver
or kidney disease, or older adults, and should be used with
caution.
Possible food and drug interactions when
taking Loratadine Although no harmful interactions with
Loratadine have been reported, there is a theoretical
possibility of an interaction with the following
drugs:
Antibiotics such as
erythromycin Cimetidine (Tagamet) Ketoconazole
(Nizoral)
Special information if you are pregnant
or breastfeeding The effects of Loratadine during pregnancy
have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan
to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Loratadine
appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If
this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may
advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment
with Loratadine is finished.
Recommended dosage ADULTS AND CHILDREN
6 YEARS OF AGE AND OVER
The usual dose is 10 milligrams once a
day. In people with liver or kidney disease, the usual dose is
10 milligrams every other day.
CHILDREN 2 TO 5
The usual dose is 5 milligrams once a
day. If the child has kidney or liver problems, give 5
milligrams every other day.
Overdosage Any medication taken in
excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an
overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of Loratadine overdose may
include: Headache, rapid heartbeat, sleepiness
Claritin® is a registered trademark of
Schering-Plough
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