Drug Uses
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 Taken
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
Drowsiness, difficulty breathing, closing of your throat, swelling of your lips/ tongue/face, hives, headache, psychomotor impairment, and antimuscarinic effects such as urinary retention, dry mouth, blurred vision, and gastrointestinal disturbances are the most common side effects. Other rarer side-effects - hypotension, extrapyramidal effects, dizziness, confusion, depression, sleep disturbances, tremor, convulsions, palpitation, arrhythmias, hypersensitivity reactions (including bronchospasm, angioedema, and anaphylaxis, rashes, and photosensitivity reactions), blood disorders, liver dysfunction, and angle-closure glaucoma are less common side effects. 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.

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