Generic Claritin ® : LORATADINE
Loratadine is the chemical name of the active ingredient in Claritin ®
Claritin ® is the registered trademark of Schering-Plough HealthCare Products Inc.

Other Popular Brand Names
Anhissen; Bonalerg; Civeran; Claratyne; Claritine; Clarityn; Clarityne; Cronopen; Fristamin; Histaloran; Lertamine; Lisino; Loracert; Loradex; Loranox; Lorastine; Loratyne; Lorfast; Lowadina; Optimin; Polaratyne; Pylor; Restamine; Sensibit; Sohotin; Tadine; Velodan; Zeos

Medication information about generic Claritin
Important information about usage, risks and possible side-effects..

Tablets
Chemical Name: LORATADINE ( lor-AT-a-deen)

Possible Uses of This Medication
This medicine is an antihistamine used to treat the symptoms of hay fever and other allergic conditions such as watery eyes, runny nose ( rhinitis), itching eyes, and sneezing. It may also be used to treat hives.

Before using
INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney disease, liver disease, any allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

How to take this medication
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food.

Cautions
BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine more often than directed. DO NOT take this medicine for several days before allergy testing since test results can be affected. Caution should be used in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include headache, dry mouth, dry nose, hoarseness, and fatigue. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you develop a rapid or pounding heartbeat, dizziness, diarrhea, nervousness, wheezing, stomach pain, unusual weakness, or hyperactivity while taking this medicine. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This medicine does not usually cause drowsiness when used at recommended doses and under normal circumstances. However, use caution before engaging in activities that require alertness until you know how you react to this medicine. If you notice any unusual effects, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.Inform your doctor about all the medicines you take with and without a prescription.

Missed Dose
IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are taking 1 dose daily, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day. do not double the next dose

Storage
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

Other Information
Being immobile for long periods of time while taking this medicine may increase your risk of blood clots. During long periods of travel, get up and move around as often as possible. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.