Claritin (Claratyne)

Claritin (Claratyne) or loratadine is an antihistamine. It provides effective relief from the symptoms of seasonal allergies; itchy, watery eyes, itchy palate, sneezing, and runny nose. Claritin (Claratyne) is also effective in relieving the symptoms of itching associated with chronic hives.

Claratyne is the New Zealand trade name for Claritin (loratadine).

Claritin (Claratyne) has no drowsy side effects when taken at the recommended dose. Drowsiness may occur if you take more than the recommended dose.

As you can imagine, the ability to control your symptoms without feeling drowsy is a real benefit. With allergy control that lets you stay alert, you can lead a normal, nearly symptom-free life again, without the fear of drowsiness. There are many different brands of antihistamines but they all belong to one of two classes. The older, first generation, or 'classic' antihistamines, typically bring relief for about three to six hours. Unfortunately their formulations also bring many side effects - like drowsiness or a dry mouth. The newer, second generation (or 'non-classic') antihistamines have a different molecular structure from the older antihistamines. They can relieve allergy symptoms for up to 24 hours - so you only need to take them once a day. And most second-generation antihistamines, when taken at the recommended doses, are non-drowsy which is important if you need to drive, work or perform tasks that require alertness.

Allergies

Depending on your sensitivity and where you live, the itching, sneezing, dripping misery you feel when the allergy season starts can continue for weeks or months. Unfortunately these symptoms reappear with each allergy season. The cause of this condition is the billions of microscopic pollen grains that are released into the air every spring and fall. If you have ever noticed that your allergies seem to get worse as the season progresses, you've experienced the priming effect. Basically, your body becomes more sensitive to allergens after repeated exposure, so less and less pollen can cause more and more of a reaction. Taking your allergy medicine as directed can help reduce that reaction. It's not known for sure why some people have allergic reactions and others do not, although allergies tend to run in families. What scientists do know is that your allergic reactions are caused by a case of "mistaken identity" within your immune system--the defense system the body launches against outside invaders. For some reason, the immune system of people prone to allergies, misinterprets harmless grains of pollen as a threat to the body, releasing a series of chemicals, including histamine. Unfortunately, this response results in the miserable symptoms we call allergies. Hay Fever Hay fever is the popular term for "allergic rhinitis" , which simply means an inflammation in the nose caused by an allergic reaction. Hay fever is not really caused by hay, nor does it produce a fever. The name was coined over a century ago when English doctors noticed that during the hay making season, some people suffered sneezing fits, runny noses and itchy eyes. Hay fever is a seasonal allergic rhinitis because it is caused by plant pollens which are carried on the wind during the growing season.

Antihistamine Tips

1. Antihistamines are more effective if taken as soon as the allergy attack develops.
2. Taking more than one antihistamine at a time won't bring faster or stronger relief. If your antihistamine isn't effective, you may need to add another type of medication or change brands. Check with your pharmacist or doctor.
3. Don't take antihistamines if you are scheduled for allergy tests within 72 hours.

Claritin (Claratyne) should not be taken by patients who are hypersensitive to loratadine or any of its ingredients.

Serious problems can occur if you take Claritin (Claratyne) with:

• alcohol
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions), medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
• medicines for hay fever and other allergies
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• medicines for pain

Although loratadine is considered a "non-sedating" antihistamine, dose-related sedation has been noted. For this reason, it would be prudent to avoid the concurrent use of other central nervous system depressants such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, opiate agonists, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, ethanol, other antihistamines, sedatives, and hypnotics. Check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Patients with liver impairment or renal (kidney) insufficiency should take Claritin (Claratyne) with caution. Seek advice from your doctor.

Increase in plasma concentrations of Claritin (Claratyne)have been reported after concomitant use with ketoconazole, erythromycin, or cimetidine in controlled clinical trials, but without clinically significant changes. Other drugs known to inhibit hepatic metabolism should be used with caution until definitive interaction studies can be completed.

There does not appear to be an increase in adverse events in subjects who received oral contraceptives and Claritin (Claratyne).

The safe use of during pregnancy and in mothers that are breast feeding has not been established and therefore, it should only be used if the potential benefits to the mother justify the potential risk to the fetus or infant.

The safety and effectiveness of Claritin (Claratyne) in pediatric patients under 6 years of age have not been established.

Adverse Effects

Serious side effects with Claritin (Claratyne).include:

• fainting spells
• irregular heartbeat or heart palpitations

Minor side effects with Claritin (Claratyne). include:

• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• headache
• tiredness

This web page contains information about Claritin (Claratyne)tablets.

• It does not contain all the available information.
• It does not take the place of your doctor or pharmacist.