Claritin Products for Allergy Symptoms

What do Claritin products treat?

Claritin products are used to treat allergy symptoms such as runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, sneezing, and itchy nose or throat. The main active ingredient in all Claritin products for allergy symptoms is an antihistamine called loratadine. Loratadine works to block a substance in your body called histamine.

Some Claritin products may also contain a decongestant called pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine helps relieve sinus congestion, sinus pressure, and nasal congestion. The medicine works to shrink blood vessels in your nose and sinuses, which helps with congestion and stuffiness.

There are Claritin products for adults and children as young as 2 years old.

What should I know before using Claritin products?

Read the label of the Claritin product you take to make sure you are not allergic to any of its ingredients. Take Claritin as directed, and do not take more than the recommended dose. Claritin products are nondrowsy, meaning they should not cause you to feel sleepy or tired. However, taking more Claritin than directed may cause drowsiness. Before taking Claritin products, talk to your health care provider if you have liver or kidney disease or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are taking a Claritin-D product, these medicines contain pseudoephedrine. Claritin-D products should not be used if you are taking a medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or for two weeks after stopping the MAOI. An MAOI is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease. If you do not know if your prescription medicine contains an MAOI, ask your health care provider or pharmacist before using a Claritin-D product.

Check with a health care provider before taking a Claritin-D product if you have any of the following conditions.

• Heart disease
• Thyroid disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Trouble peeing, if you have problems with your prostate
• Liver or kidney disease
• Pregnant or breastfeeding

Stop taking Claritin-D if your symptoms do not improve within seven days, you start to develop a fever, or you have nervousness, dizziness, or trouble sleeping.

There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Claritin product you are using. Always check the label before taking any Claritin product. Talk to a pharmacist or health care provider about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which Claritin products are safe for you.