Generic Claritin

Claritin, also known as Alavert, Claritin, and Claritin Reditab and generically known as loratadine, is used as antihistamine to prevent or lessen the symptoms of allergies such as runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, hives and itching. The tablet form of Alavert, Claritin and Claritin Reditab is white in color and the syrup form can be clear to light yellow in appearance.

Not everyone can take Claritin and a full disclosure of medical and prescription history should be given to the prescribing physician. Anyone that has had a previous allergic reaction to an antihistamine or that has liver or kidney disease may not be able take this medication or dosage adjustments may have to be carefully monitored by the physician. The Alavert brand of this medicine has 8.4 mg of phenylalanine in its chemical make up and anyone that has the genetic condition phenylketonuria (the inability of the body to utilize amino acids) must have their dosage levels closely monitored by the prescribing physician.

Pregnant should always take precautions when using any kind of medications. Claritin has been given the rating of B from the Food and Drug Administration; this means that the medication is not known to cause any harmful effects to an unborn fetus. The effects of the medication can be transferred through the process of breast feeding and this should also be disclosed at the time the medication is being prescribed.

This medication should be taken be taken exactly as described the physician. In tablet form, the medication should be swallowed in its entirety and should not be crushed or chewed. The rapidly-dissolving tablet (Alavert and Claritin Reditabs) should be placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve without any other form of liquid. The liquid form of Claritin must be accurately measured, not by a common household teaspoon, but by dose measuring device.

If a dose should be skipped and it not is not close to the next dose, patients should take the missing dose as soon as remembered. If the dose is close to the next prescribed dose, skip the missed dose. Double doses of this medication should not ever be taken. The symptoms of an overdose include, but are not limited to; nausea, vomiting, headache, drowsiness and irregular heartbeat. If any of these symptoms occur emergency medical attention should sought after as soon as possible.

The side effects that may occur when taking this medication can range from mild to severe in nature. Some of the mild side effects that can occur are: drowsiness or dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain or discomfort, dry mouth, itchiness or dry skin and discoloration of urine. There should be a note of caution when taking Claritin and operating a motor vehicle, heavy equipment or participating in any activity that may require alertness. The more serious side effects that may occur include irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, closing of throat, swelling of lips and/or face, hives and seizures. If any of the more serious side effects should occur emergency medical help should sought after immediately and if any unusual or bothersome effects should occur, contact the prescribing physician.

There are no known interactions with other commercial medications; however, this does not mean that Claritin does not have the potential to react with different combination of medication, herbal supplements and/or vitamins. A full medical and prescription disclosure should help prevent any undesirable reaction with other medications. If the allergy symptoms do not disappear, the physician should consulted for any further medical action to be taken or considered.