What is Claritine (loratadine)?
Claritine is a brand name for the over-the-counter (OTC) medication loratadine, a second-generation antihistamine. Its primary function is to block histamine, a substance the body produces during an allergic reaction. By blocking histamine, it provides relief from common allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. It is also effective for treating skin rashes and itching associated with hives. A key benefit of Claritine is its non-drowsy nature for most individuals, allowing for daytime use without significant impairment.
How to use Claritine: A guide to forms
To ensure safe and effective use, it is essential to follow the instructions based on the specific product and the user's age. It is always recommended to read the product's label carefully.
Standard Claritine products
Instructions for using standard Claritine products vary depending on the form:
- Tablets (10mg): Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
- Oral Disintegrating Tablets (RediTabs): These tablets dissolve on the tongue. Carefully remove the tablet from the blister pack without pushing it through. Place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve completely before swallowing.
- Liquid (Syrup): Use the provided dosing cup or a special medicine spoon for accurate measurement. Avoid using household spoons, as they are not accurate.
- Chewable Tablets: These tablets must be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.
Children under 2 should only use Claritine under a doctor's supervision.
Important safety precautions and warnings
While Claritine is generally safe for most people when taken as directed, certain precautions should be observed:
- Follow recommended use: Adhering to the instructions is important to minimize the risk of side effects, including drowsiness.
- Consult a doctor for health conditions: If you have liver or kidney disease, a doctor should determine if Claritine is appropriate and guide its use. People with phenylketonuria (PKU) should check labels for phenylalanine, which may be present in some chewable forms.
- Watch for drowsiness: Though marketed as non-drowsy, some individuals may experience fatigue or drowsiness. If this occurs, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Taking the dose in the evening may help.
- Potential drug interactions: Avoid combining Claritine with other sedating medications, such as older antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Claritine-D has more significant interactions due to pseudoephedrine, so always check with a pharmacist or doctor.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a healthcare professional before use.
- Seek immediate medical attention for severe reactions: Call 911 or seek immediate medical help for symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as a severe rash, hives, swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat, or difficulty breathing.
Standard Claritine vs. Claritine-D: A comparison
It is important to know the difference between standard Claritine and Claritine-D, as they have different ingredients and uses. Claritine-D is for allergy symptoms that include nasal congestion.
| Feature | Standard Claritine | Claritine-D |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Loratadine (antihistamine) | Loratadine (antihistamine) and pseudoephedrine (decongestant) |
| Primary Use | Relieves sneezing, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, and itchy throat | Relieves allergy symptoms and nasal/sinus congestion |
| Side Effects | Generally minimal: headache, mild drowsiness, fatigue | Potential for insomnia, nervousness, and increased blood pressure due to pseudoephedrine |
| Availability | Over-the-counter | Behind-the-pharmacy-counter (may require ID for purchase) |
| Swallowing | Swallow regular tablets whole | Swallow extended-release tablets whole; do not crush or chew |
When to see a doctor
While Claritine is effective for managing many allergy symptoms, a doctor's consultation may be necessary in certain situations:
- Your allergy symptoms do not improve after a few days of treatment.
- Your hives persist for more than several weeks.
- You experience severe or worsening side effects.
- You have other health conditions, such as asthma, heart problems, or high blood pressure, that could be affected by allergy medication.
- You suspect a food, drug, or insect allergy that requires specialized testing and an emergency plan.
Conclusion
Understanding how to use claritine correctly is key to managing allergy symptoms safely and effectively. This involves carefully reading the label, using the appropriate form for your age, and knowing the important distinctions between standard Claritine and combination products like Claritine-D. Always follow instructions and consult a healthcare professional for persistent symptoms, severe reactions, or pre-existing health conditions. When used as directed, Claritine provides reliable, non-drowsy relief from indoor and outdoor allergens for most adults and children.
For more detailed information on drug interactions and safety, consult the National Institutes of Health (NIH) bookshelf publication on Loratadine.
