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Drugs & Medications - Claritin-D 12 Hour Oral

Claritin-D 12 Hour Oral

Important Note

LORATADINE / PSEUDOEPHEDRINE SUSTAINED - RELEASE - ORAL

Pronunciation: (lor-AT-uh-deen/sue-doh-eff-ED-rin)

Brand Name(s): Claritin-D

Warnings
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Interactions
Overdose
Claritin-D 12 Hour Oral Warnings
Claritin-D 12 Hour Oral Uses

Loratadine is an antihistamine which provides relief of seasonal allergy symptoms such as watery and itching eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant which helps relieve a stuffy nose, promotes sinus draining, and improves breathing.

This medication is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age due to the high amount of pseudoephedrine.

How to use Claritin-D 12 Hour Oral

Take this medication by mouth usually twice daily (every 12 hours); or take as directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet; doing so will destroy the long action and increase the chance of side effects.

Do not increase your dose or take this more often than directed.

Do not take this medication for several days before allergy testing since test results can be affected. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Claritin-D 12 Hour Oral Side Effects

Dry mouth, mild stomach upset, trouble sleeping, dizziness, headache, nervousness, loss of appetite, or thirst may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: fast/irregular heartbeat, uncontrolled shaking or tremor.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: seizures, mental/mood changes, difficulty urinating.

This medication does not usually cause drowsiness when used at recommended doses and under normal circumstances. However, this drug may make you dizzy; therefore use caution engaging in activities that require alertness such as driving or using machinery.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Claritin-D 12 Hour Oral Precautions

Before taking loratadine with pseudoephedrine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: glaucoma (narrow angle type), severe difficulty urinating (urinary retention), severe high blood pressure, severe heart/blood vessel disease (coronary artery disease), liver disease, experienced serious side effects with decongestants (irregular heart rhythm).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, problems urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate), high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems (e.g., ischemic heart disease), thyroid problems (hyperthyroidism), glaucoma (open angle type).

Limit alcoholic beverages, as it may intensify drug side effects. (See also Side Effects.)

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

The two individual components of this medication pass into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.

Claritin-D 12 Hour Oral Interactions

If you are taking this medication under your doctor's direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first

This drug should not be used with or within 14 days of taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: adrenalin-like drugs (e.g., ephedrine, methylphenidate), certain high blood pressure drugs (e.g., guanethidine, methyldopa, reserpine, beta-blockers such as propranolol), herbal products containing ephedra.

Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain additional antihistamines and decongestants that could increase your risk for side effects. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Claritin-D 12 Hour Oral Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: irregular or unusually slow or fast heartbeat, unusual nervousness or excitement, and seizures.

NOTES:

Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE:

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:

Store between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854- 1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Information last revised January 2009 Copyright(c) 2009 First DataBank, Inc.

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