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Claritine is an antiallergy medicine that does not make you drowsy. Its active ingredient is loratadine, which is a tricyclic antihistamine. Claritine is recommended for relieving the symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as sneezing, runny and itching, as well as itching and burning eyes.
Claritine – composition
The active substance in Claritine is loratadine. One tablet contains 10 mg of the substance. Claritine’s excipients include lactose monohydrate, corn starch and magenzium stearate.
Claritine – action
Loratadine, the active ingredient in Claritine, is selective for peripheral type 1 (H1) histamine receptors. This substance stops H1 receptors and slows down the peripheral action of histamine, which is responsible for the appearance of allergy symptoms. Loratadine, on the other hand, has a strong influence on the histamine type 2 (H2) receptors.
It is a second-generation antihistamine, which means that, unlike the first-generation drugs, it lasts longer, and when used as prescribed, it does not cause drowsiness or calm the patient. Claritine’s job is to relieve sneezing, runny nose, swelling and itching of the mucous membranes.
Loratadine with Claritine is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and undergoes mostly first pass metabolism. The metabolite of loratadine, i.e. desloratadine, is the main substance responsible for the clinical effect of Claritine.
The maximum plasma concentration of loratadine is achieved within 1-1,5 hours of oral ingestion, and of desloratadine within a maximum of 4 hours. Taking Claritine with a meal has no influence on how the medicine works and its effects, but it may slow down the absorption of the active substance. The active substance Claritine is excreted in the urine and faeces mainly as metabolites.
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Claritine – indications
The indication for Claritine administration is:
- treatment of allergic rhinitis;
- treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Claritine – contraindications
Claritine, like all medicines, cannot be used in every patient, even if there are indications for it. The main contraindication to the use of Claritine is hypersensitivity, i.e. allergic to the active substance or any other ingredient of the drug.
In addition, the drug should also not be used in pregnant and lactating women.
Claritine – dosage
Claritine dose amount depends on the age of the patient. The drug can be used regardless of the meals eaten:
- adults and children over 12 years of age should take one tablet, i.e. 10 mg once a day;
- children between 2 and 12 years of age – children weighing more than 30 kg should take one Claritine tablet (10 mg) once a day. For children weighing less than 30 kg, the use of syrups is recommended.
Please note that no studies have been conducted on the safety and effectiveness of Claritine in children under 2 years of age.
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Claritine – precautions
Not every person can take Claritine, even when there are indications for it. There are diseases and other conditions that prevent the use of the drug or require a change in dosage. In some cases, it is also necessary to perform check-ups.
People with severe liver failure should exercise particular caution when using Claritine – these people should start Claritine at a lower dose as they may have a reduced clearance of loratadine. For adults and children weighing more than 30 kg, one Claritine tablet (tablet or syrup) should be given every other day, and for children under 30 kg, half a tablet (5 mg of loratadine) should be given every other day.
There is no need to adjust the dose in the elderly or in those with renal insufficiency. However, if the patient notices that the effect of Claritine is too strong or too weak, he should see a doctor.
Also, be aware that Claritine may affect the results of skin allergy tests. Therefore, the drug should be discontinued about 48 hours before the scheduled skin allergy tests are performed.
Claritine also contains lactose, therefore people with galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not use Claritine.
In addition, drivers of vehicles should exercise extreme caution and check their reaction to loratadine beforehand. Occasionally, in some cases, the drug may cause drowsiness or other side effects that may affect the deterioration of psychophysical fitness, concentration and reaction time, as well as adversely affect the ability to drive and use machines.
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Claritine – pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use any medication without consulting a doctor. Before taking Claritine, remember to consult your doctor and clarify any doubts about the risks and benefits of using the drug. If a woman is pregnant or plans to become pregnant, she should inform the doctor who is prescribing Claritine.
Claritine should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Claritine – interactions with other drugs
Before starting Claritine, inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including those without a prescription. Caution should be exercised when co-administering Claritine with other drugs that inhibit the activity of cytochrome P450 (ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin or cimetidine) – this may increase the level of loratadine in the blood. However, it has no significant clinical effects.
The active substance of Claritine does not increase the effect of alcohol, but you should not drink alcohol at the same time. This medicine may interfere with skin allergy tests.
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Claritine – side effects
Claritine, like all medicines, may cause side effects. At the same time, however, it should be remembered that they will not appear for everyone and usually the risk associated with the use of a specific preparation is lower than the expected benefits.
The most commonly reported side effects of Claritine are:
- somnolence;
- Headache;
- insomnia;
- increased appetite;
- nervousness;
- tiredness;
- dry mouth;
- nausea;
- rash;
- gastritis.
A side effect reported very rarely is:
- dizziness;
- seizures;
- tachycardia;
- palpitations;
- liver disorders;
- anaphylactic reactions – also severe life-threatening reactions such as bronchospasm, hypotension, shock;
- alopecia;
- weight gain.
Claritine – overdose
Symptoms of a Claritine overdose are:
- somnolence;
- accelerated heartbeat;
- headache.
If patients experience such symptoms, treatment should be symptomatic and supportive immediately. The measures taken should be continued until the symptoms of overdose have ceased. In the event of overdose, activated charcoal in the form of an aqueous suspension may be administered. Gastric lavage may be necessary in some cases. The active substance Claritine cannot be removed from the body by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. The patient’s condition should be monitored after the provision of assistance.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.