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May 26, 2012

Claritin

Hay Fever »

What is hay fever? What are the symptoms and signs?

Hay fever is a misnomer. Hay is not a usual cause of this problem, and it does not cause fever. Early descriptions of sneezing, nasal congestion, and eye irritation while harvesting field hay promoted this popular term. Allergic rhinitis is the correct term used to describe this allergic reaction, and many different substances cause the allergic symptoms noted in hay fever. Rhinitis means "irritation of the nose" and is a derivative of rhino, meaning nose. Allergic rhinitis which occurs during a specific season is called "seasonal allergic rhinitis." When it occurs throughout the year, it is called "perennial allergic rhinitis." Rhinosinusitis is the medical term that refers to inflammation of the nasal lining as well as the lining tissues of the sinuses. This term is sometime used because the two conditions frequently occur together.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever...

Read the Hay Fever article »

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Claritin Patient Information Including Side Effects

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

Generic Name: loratadine (Pronunciation: lor AH ta deen)

What is loratadine (Claritin)?

Loratadine is an antihistamine that reduces the 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 other 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; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

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. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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).

Before taking loratadine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or 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).

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