Description
Claritin is an antihistamine. It is used to treat symptoms of seasonal allergy and other allergies, including sneezing, runny nose and red, itchy, tearing eyes. Claritin causes less drowsiness than other antihistamines.

How to Use
Claritin comes as a tablet to take orally. 12 Hour Tablet is taken two times a day (keeping a 12 hour interval between the doses), 24 Hour Tablet is taken once a day. You should swallow Claritin. Do not break or chew the tablet. Take Claritin with plenty of water.

Warnings/Precautions
Let your doctor know 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, liver or heart disease, high blood pressure, or an irregular heartbeat. If you have any of the above you may need a dosage adjustment or monitoring during treatment or you may not be able to take this drug. Claritin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. Which means that animal–reproduction studies have not demonstrated a fatal risk but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women, or animal–reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect (other than a decrease in fertility) that was not confirmed in controlled studies in women in the first trimester (and there is no evidence of a risk in later trimesters). It is known that Claritin passes into breast milk. Therefore do not take Claritin without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant, likely to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Claritin should not be used by children under the age of 12.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly 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.

Possible Side Effects
Possible side effects of Claritin are – difficulty breathing, closing of your throat, swelling of your lips/tongue/face, hives, irregular heartbeat, seizures, dizziness, headache, insomnia, nervousness, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, dry mouth, dry skin/itchiness, discoloration of urine. If you experience any of above or any other side effects contact your doctor immediately.

Storage
Store this medication at 15–25°C (59–77°F). Keep away from children and excess light and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Overdose
If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately. Some of the symptoms of overdose are – headache, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, sweating, increased thirst, weakness, restlessness.

More Information
While taking Claritin, you should be careful when driving, operating machinery or performing other hazardous activities. Sometimes Claritin may cause drowsiness and dizziness.

Disclaimer
This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose; it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.