Drug Name: CLARITIN
Pronounced: CLAR-it-in
Chemical names: Loratidine

CLARITIN Drug Use: Claritin is an antihistamine, so it works by drying up your bodies secretions. It helps with runny noses, runny eyes, sneezing, stuffiness, and itching. It can also be used in the treatment of hives and the swelling associated with them.

CLARITIN Drug Usage Instructions: Claritin is usually given once a day. It comes in a Claritin-D form which contains decongestant to clear stuffy heads. The effects of Claritin is not immediate, it usually takes 2-3 days to get the full effect. It is normally given for longer periods of time (during the spring months many people take Claritin daily for months on end). With Claritin regular you should take at any time of the day, whereas Claritin D should be taken in the morning because the decongestant may keep you up at night.

CLARITIN Storage Instructions: Store Claritin at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Keep in a sealed container.

CLARITIN Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of this medication take it as soon as you remember except if it’s close to the time for the next dose. If this is the case just skip the missed dose and resume normal dosing. Do not double dose Claritin for any reason.

CLARITIN Side Effects: Most common side effects are: dry mouth, headache, sleepiness, fatigue.

Special Precautions with CLARITIN: Less common side effects are: agitation, anxiety, back pain, blurred vision, chest pain, confusion, hives, hyperactivity, increased sweating, nervousness, hair loss, itching, joint pain, nosebleeds, sore throat, stiffness, vomiting, nausea, weight gain, and wheezing. If you experience any of these or any other abnormal reactions talk to your doctor immediately.