Claritin
Loratadine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Claritin
Claritin is an anti-allergy drug, its effect consisting in the blocking of the natural histamine in the human body and therefore reducing some common symptoms of allergy, such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, watery eyes, etc.
Loratadine – its basic component – is a tricyclic antihistamine, which blocks histamine H1-receptors. Histamine is the substance, which triggers many allergic reactions.
Claritin is good for treatment of seasonal allergies and related symptoms. Particularly, it is prescribed for patients suffering allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria in children. Claritin is not intended for treatment of anaphylactic reactions.
Therapeutic Uses of Claritin
Claritin alleviates nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal and non-seasonal allergies, as well as hives and other types of skin allergies. Also, Claritin can be used to treat watering eyes, burning eyes and headache.
Loratadine is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and metabolized by isoenzymes of the cytochrome P450 system (CYP3A4, CYP2D6) and some other enzymes.
Direction of use of Claritin
Claritin is available in several forms: regular tablets, RediTab tablets, suspension and syrup. Whatever form you choose, you must first consult your physician, who will help you determine dosage and administration regime. For the most part, Claritin is taken once per day.
If you are taking regular tablets, wash it down with milk or water. Do not cut, crush or chew the tablet. Swallow it whole.
Claritin RediTab tablets are taken in a specific way. Get a tablet out of the pack and put in into your mouth. Do not chew it. Do not swallow it whole. The tablet should dissolve in your mouth by itself. When extracting tablets from the pack, make sure your hands are dry and clean. Be careful not to damage the tablet’s surface.
If you are using Claritin syrup, consult your doctor and ask him/her to help you outline administration regime and dosage. Use a dose-measuring spoon or cup.
Dose of Claritin, if Missed
Whatever form of Claritin you choose, you must strictly follow your doctor’s directions. Do not take less or more of the drug than required. Dosing depends on how severe your case is and how sensitive you are to this drug.
If you suddenly realize that you have missed a dose, take it now. If it is almost time to take the next scheduled dose, skip it. Under no circumstances should you take a double dose to compensate for the missed one. This may cause serious side effects and even poisoning.
How to Store Claritin
Claritin must be kept in a dry and cool place. Do not keep it in the bathroom or kitchen. RediTabs are rapidly disintegrating tablets, so they must be kept away from moist. Do not expose the drug to direct sunlight. Keep Claritin safely away from children. Do not use expired tablets or syrup. Do not flush it down the toilet or throw it into the wastebasket. Contact your Pharmacist or local waste disposal organization and have it discarded properly.
More Information about Claritin
If you are using CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as erythromycin, ketoconazole, furanocoumarin, etc., talk to your doctor. Combined use of Claritin with these drugs can result in increased loratadine plasma concentration.
Consequences of interactions can be individual. Although loratadine interactions rarely cause observable side effects, it is strongly recommended that you tell your doctor about all drugs you are using or have used recently.
Do not mix Claritin with alcohol.
If you are taking herbal medicines, food supplements and vitamins, contact your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Claritin
If you are allergic to any of the drug’s component (loratadine, desloratadine), do not take Claritin. You must use it with caution if you have renal insufficiency or liver impairment. If you have any of these of other liver and/or kidney problems, consult your physician.
RediTabs contain phenylalanine. For this reason, RediTabs are not recommended for people suffering phenylketonuria.
Claritin should not be given to children under 6 years of age without a doctor’s advice.
There is no data about any harm done by loratadine to unborn babies. The FDA has defined Claritin as pregnancy category B. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using this drug during pregnancy.
Claritine syrup is excreted in milk, and its concentration in the milk is usually equivalent to the mother’s plasma level. Do not take Claritin if you are breast-feeding.
Possible Adverse Effects
Clinical studies have revealed a 2-to-3 percent probability of adverse reactions in children under 6 years old. The most common side effects include influenza-like symptoms (sore throat, cough, runny nose), epistaxis, diarrhea, pharingitis, stomatitis, etc. Some patients had weakness, fatigue, hypertension, hypotension, arrhythmia, tachycardia, vertigo, tremors, sweating, thirst, flushing, flatulence, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, migraine, etc.
If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking Claritin and contact your health care provider.
