Brand Names: Alavert, Alavert Allergy, Claritin, Claritin 24 Hour Allergy, Claritin Hives Relief, Claritin Liqui-Gels, Claritin Reditab, Clear-Atadine, Clear-Atadine Children's, Dimetapp ND, Loratadine Reditab, ohm Allergy Relief, Tavist ND, Wal-itin

Generic Name: loratadine (Pronunciation: lor AT a deen)

• What is loratadine (Claritin)?
• What are the possible side effects of loratadine?
• What is the most important information I should know about loratadine?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking loratadine?
• How should I take loratadine?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking loratadine?
• What other drugs will affect loratadine?
• Where can I get more information?

What is loratadine (Claritin)?

Loratadine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Loratadine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. It is also used to treat skin hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions.

Loratadine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Claritin 10 mg

round, white, imprinted with CLARITIN 10, 458

What are the possible side effects of loratadine?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• fast or uneven heart rate;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes); or
• seizures (convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;
• nervousness;
• feeling tired or drowsy;
• stomach pain, diarrhea;
• dry mouth, sore throat hoarseness;
• eye redness, blurred vision;
• nosebleed; or
• skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Claritin (loratadine) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about loratadine?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to loratadine or to desloratadine (Clarinex).

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if you have liver or kidney disease.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old without the advice of a doctor.

Loratadine disintegrating tablets (Claritin Reditab) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of loratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).