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How should you take this medication?
Claritin comes as a syrup, a tablet, and a rapidly disintegrating tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label careful
ly, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Claritin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
To take the rapidly disintegrating tablet, place the tablet on your tongue. It will quickly dissolve and can be swallowed with saliva.
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Why is this drug prescribed?
Although this use is not included in product labeling, cetirizine and loratadine are used in certain patients with asthma together with asthma medicines. The antihistamine is used before and during ex
posure to substances that cause reactions, to prevent or reduce bronchospasm (wheezing or difficulty in breathing).
Cyproheptadine is used as an appetite stimulant, in adults and children
Cyproheptadine is used for treatment of vascular headaches.
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Symptoms of overdose may include:
Clumsiness or unsteadiness; convulsions (seizures); drowsiness (severe); dryness of mouth, nose, or throat (severe); feeling faint; flushing or redness of face; hallucinations (seeing, hearing,
or feeling things that are not there); shortness of breath or troubled breathing ; trouble in sleeping
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Precautions while Using this Medicine
Claritin may cause dryness of the mouth, nose, and throat. Some Claritin are more likely to cause dryness of the mouth than others . For temporary relief of mouth dryness, use sugarless candy or gum,
melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mou
th may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.
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Side Effects
Children¡XSerious side effects, such as convulsions (seizures), are more likely to occur in younger patients and would be of greater risk to infants than to older children or adults. In general, child
en are more sensitive to the effects of antihistamines. Also, nightmares or unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability may be more likely to occur in children.
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Other medical problems
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to antihistamines. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservati
ves, or dyes.
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