Claritine

Claritine (Loratadine) is an allergy treatment, used to provide temporary relief from hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis, a type of allergy to dust or pollen), and the symptoms it can cause, such as sneezing, a runny nose and watering of the eyes. It can also treat year round allergies (perennial allergic rhinitis), and chronic idiopathic urticaria.

This medicine is a type of antihistamine. There is a natural substance produced in the body called histamine. This chemical is stored in the mast cells throughout the body. When an allergic reaction occurs, the release of histamine by the mast cells is stimulated, causing histamine to bind to certain receptors in the body, leading to allergy symptoms. By taking this drug, histamine is prevented from binding to its receptors, which helps to provide relief from hay fever symptoms.

Patients taking Claritine (Loratadine) as a hay fever treatment (or to treat any other conditions as recommended by their physician) are advised to follow their physician`s advice with regard to dosage. Generally speaking, adult patients treating allergic rhinitis or urticaria are directed to take 10mg, once per day. However, never take more than the amount prescribed by your physician.

Claritine (Loratadine) can cause:

• Nosebleeds
• Drowsiness
• A sore throat
• Sleep difficulties
• Sores around the mouth

Notify your physician if you are concerned about any side effects. In some cases, severe reactions which will require immediate medical attention may occur. See your physician straight away if you notice seizures or any other indications that a severe reaction may be occurring.

Do not use this medicine to treat hives which are blistered or bruised, which are a strange color or are not itchy. You must seek medical care if you have this type of hives. If your hives do not improve during the initial 3 days of treatment (or if they last for longer than 6 weeks), consult your physician.

If you are taking this medicine as a treatment for hives, remember that certain symptoms may be indicative of anaphylaxis, a serious life threatening condition. You will need immediate medical care if this occurs, and an epinephrine injector may be necessary.