Loratadine tablets
What are loratadine tablets?
LORATADINE is an antihistamine. It relieves the symptoms of hay fever
(sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes), and can also treat hives and
associated itching of the skin. Generic loratadine tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care
provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
�asthma
�kidney disease
�liver disease
�an unusual or allergic reaction to loratadine, other medicines, foods,
dyes, or preservatives
�pregnant or trying to get pregnant
�breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take loratadine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription
label. Take your doses at regular intervals. You may take this medicine with food.
Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
If you are taking loratadine: Place the tablet on your tongue, allow to dissolve completely and then swallow. You can take the tablets
with or without water.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this
medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine may be used in
children as young as 6 years old; younger children can receive the syrup form
of this medicine.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your
next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double doses.
What drug(s) may interact with
loratadine?
�certain antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin)
�medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
�medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
In addition, the following medicines can make you feel drowsy:
�alcohol
�barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures
(convulsions)
�medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as alprazolam,
diazepam, or temazepam
�medicines for hay fever and other allergies such as antihistamines
�medicines for mental problems, including anxiety, depression and psychotic
disturbances
�medicines for pain
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you
are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or
herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you
are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you
use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with
your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice
from taking loratadine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care
professional as soon as possible:
�unusual restlessness or nervousness in children
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your
prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
�dry mouth
�headache
�tiredness or drowsiness
What should I watch for while
taking loratadine?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not
improve in 1 to 2 days.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until
you know how loratadine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting
spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient.
Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and
drinking plenty of water will help.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot
open.
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