Claritin-D

Uses:
Claritin-D is used to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, and red, itchy, tearing eyes. Claritin-D is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Claritin-D may cause less drowsiness than other antihistamines.

How To Take:
Claritin-D comes as a tablet to take by mouth. 12 Hour Tablet: One tablet twice a day (every 12 hours); 24 Hour Tablet: One tablet daily taken with a full glass of water. You should not to break or chew the tablet and you should take the 24 hour tablet with a full glass of water.

Warnings:
Before taking Claritin-D, tell your doctor if you have asthma or another lung disease; diabetes; thyroid problems; glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye; urinary retention or an enlarged prostate; narrowing of the esophagus or gastrointestinal tract or difficulty swallowing; kidney or liver disease; or heart disease, high blood pressure, or an irregular heartbeat. You may not be able to take Claritin-D, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Claritin-D is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Claritin-D without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Claritin-D passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Claritin-D without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Claritin-D has not been approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age.

Precautions:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: any allergies, eye problems (glaucoma), infections, recent nasal surgery, nasal sores. If you are prescribed doses higher than those usually recommended, avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles. If you do become exposed, notify your doctor promptly. Though very unlikely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed into your bloodstream. This may have undesirable consequences that may require additional corticosteroid treatment. This is especially true for children and for those who have used this for an extended period if they also have serious medical problems such as serious infections, injuries or surgeries. This precaution applies for up to one year after stopping use of this drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised in children as this drug may affect growth patterns. Consult child's doctor. Avoid use in children under 4.

Side Effects:
Serious side effects are not likely to occur with the use of Claritin-D. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Claritin-D and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); an irregular heartbeat; or seizures. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Claritin-D and talk to your doctor if you experience dizziness; headache; insomnia; nervousness; nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort; dry mouth; dry skin or itchiness; or discoloration of urine. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Overdose:
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Claritin-D overdose include headache, drowsiness, an irregular heartbeat, nausea and vomiting, sweating, increased thirst, weakness, and restlessness.

Notes:
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Claritin-D may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these

Missed Dose:
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Storage:
Protect Claritin-D from light and store in a dry place. Store between 15-25°C (59-77°F).

NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.