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loratadine
Used for Allergic Rhinitis
Used for Allergic Rhinitis
Loratadine (Claritin) is an over-the-counter antihistamine for adults and kids. It helps relieve allergy symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. This allergy medication is taken by mouth, usually once a day. It comes as different formulations, including regular tablets, chewable tablets, and a liquid. Loratadine (Claritin) is a non-drowsy allergy medication because it's less likely to make you sleepy. Other side effects can include headache and feeling tired. Loratadine (Claritin) is available as a brand-name and generic.
What is Loratadine (Claritin)?
What is Loratadine (Claritin) used for?
- Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose or throat, itchy or watery eyes)
How Loratadine (Claritin) works
Loratadine (Claritin) is an antihistamine. It works by blocking histamine. Histamine is a natural chemical in your body that causes allergy symptoms like itchy eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. By blocking histamine, this medication helps relieve allergy symptoms.
When does Loratadine (Claritin) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Claritin, Children s Claritin |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antihistamine |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
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Side effects of Loratadine (Claritin)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Headache (12%)
- Sleepiness (8%)
- Feeling tired (4%)
- Dry mouth (3%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Stomach upset
Loratadine (Claritin) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Accidentally taking too much medication: fast heartbeat, flushing, extreme sleepiness, agitation, changes in vision, behavior changes, irritability in children
When do Loratadine (Claritin) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Headache
Sleepiness
Fatigue
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The following Loratadine (Claritin) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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Pros and cons of Loratadine (Claritin)
Pros
- First-choice option for allergies
- Tends to cause less sleepiness than some other antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Liquid form and some chewable tablets okay for children as young as 2 years old to take
Cons
- Can take 1 to 3 hours to start working
- Regular tablets and quick-dissolving tablets not for children younger than 6
- Might have a higher risk of side effects if you have liver or kidney problems
Pharmacist tips for Loratadine (Claritin)
- You can take loratadine (Claritin) only when you need it for occasional allergies. But if you have allergy symptoms every day, take it daily according to the manufacturer's directions. This can help you get the most relief from the allergy medication.
- You can take loratadine (Claritin) at any time of day. It usually starts working within a few hours. If you know when your allergies are the worst during the day, you can try to plan to take it before that time.
- You can take loratadine (Claritin) with or without food. If it hurts your stomach, try taking it with food next time to see if that helps.
- If you have kidney or liver problems, ask a healthcare professional before taking loratadine (Claritin). They can make sure it's safe for you to take. This is because you might have a higher risk of side effects from the medication.
- For loratadine (Claritin) regular tablets: Swallow the regular tablet whole with water. If you have trouble swallowing pills, try a different form of the medication that might be easier to take. Ask a pharmacist if you need help choosing one.
- For loratadine (Claritin) chewable tablets: Chew or crush the tablet before swallowing. Don't swallow it whole. You don't need to eat or drink anything when you take the medication.
- For loratadine (Claritin RediTab) orally disintegrating tablets: Place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve in your mouth. You can take the tablet with or without water.
- For the loratadine (Claritin) liquid: Use a medication dose cup or an oral syringe to measure out the dose. Ask the pharmacy if there isn't one included in the medication box or if you need extras. Don't use kitchen spoons because they might not be accurate and using them might cause you to take the wrong dose.
- Loratadine (Claritin) might make you feel a little sleepy. Don't drive until you know how this medication affects you.
- Try to drink less alcohol or avoid it while taking loratadine (Claritin). Alcohol can make side effects, like sleepiness or dizziness, stronger. Talk to a healthcare professional about how to take this medication safely if you drink alcohol.
- Don't start any new medications while taking loratadine (Claritin) without talking to a healthcare professional or pharmacist first. This is very important with other antihistamines. Taking more than one antihistamine can raise the risk of an overdose. This can lead to serious side effects, like seizures, seeing or hearing things that aren't real, or even death.
- If you think you or someone else has taken too much loratadine (Claritin), get medical help right away or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
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Risks and warnings for Loratadine (Claritin)
Loratadine (Claritin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Sleepiness
- Risk factors: Drinking alcohol while taking loratadine (Claritin) | Taking other medications that cause sleepiness
Loratadine (Claritin) might make you sleepy. This can make it harder to focus, think, or react quickly. You're more likely to have this side effect if you drink alcohol while taking this medication. It can also happen if you take it with other medications that also cause sleepiness, like opioids and certain anxiety medications. Don't drive or use machinery until you know how loratadine (Claritin) affects you.
Accidentally taking too much medication
Loratadine (Claritin) and other antihistamines are in many over-the-counter products. Taking too much loratadine (Claritin) can lead to an accidental overdose. This can also happen if you use more than one product with an antihistamine, including those used on the skin. Symptoms can include fast heart rate, agitation, behavior changes, and poor balance. It can also cause serious side effects, such as seizures, hallucinations, or even death.
To stay safe, read medication labels carefully. If you're not sure whether something has an antihistamine in it, ask a pharmacist before taking it with loratadine (Claritin). Don't start any new medications without talking to a healthcare professional or pharmacist. They can make sure it's safe to take with loratadine (Claritin) or with your other medications.
If you think you or someone else has taken too much medication, get medical help right away or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets and orally disintegrating tablets
Some chewable tablets and orally disintegrating tablets contain phenylalanine, which comes from the artificial sweetener aspartame. If you have a genetic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU), these forms of loratadine (Claritin) can be dangerous for you.
Check the loratadine (Claritin) medication box to see if it has a warning for people with PKU. If you're not sure, ask a pharmacist. Other formulations of the medication might be safer for you.
Loratadine (Claritin) dosage
The average cost for 30 tablets of 24 hour of Loratadine (Claritin) is $8.59 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 2.28% off the average retail price of $8.79.
Typical dosage for Loratadine (Claritin)
The dosage can differ depending on the manufacturer and formulation of the medication. Follow the instructions on the medication box.
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Loratadine (Claritin) regular tablets or orally disintegrating tablets
- Ages 6 years and older: The typical dose is 10 mg (1 tablet) by mouth once a day. The maximum dose is 10 mg per day.
- Regular tablets are swallowed whole.
- Orally disintegrating tablets (RediTabs) are placed on the tongue and dissolved in the mouth.
- Ages under 6 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.
- Ages 6 years and older: The typical dose is 10 mg (1 tablet) by mouth once a day. The maximum dose is 10 mg per day.
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Loratadine (Claritin) chewable tablets
- Ages 6 years and older: The typical dose is 10 mg (2 chewable tablets) by mouth once a day. Chew the tablets before swallowing. The maximum dose is 10 mg per day.
- Ages 2 to under 6 years: The typical dose is 5 mg (1 chewable tablet) by mouth once a day. Chew the tablet before swallowing. The maximum dose is 5 mg per day.
- Ages under 2 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.
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- Ages 6 years and older: The typical dose is 10 mg (or 10 mL) by mouth once a day. The maximum dose is 10 mg per day.
- Ages 2 to under 6 years: The typical dose is 5 mg (or 5 mL) by mouth once a day. The maximum dose is 5 mg per day.
- Ages under 2 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.
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How much does Loratadine (Claritin) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What are alternatives to Loratadine (Claritin)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Loratadine (Claritin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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