Basic Information: Common Brand Names - Claritin / Lorfast

How should this medicine be used?

Generic name - Loratadine

Loratadine 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 carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take loratadine 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.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking loratadine,

* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to loratadine or any other drugs.

* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially erythromycin (E-Mycin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), medications for asthma or colds, medications for depression, muscle relaxants, pain

medications, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and vitamins.

* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease.

* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast - feeding. If you become pregnant while taking loratadine, call your doctor.

* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking loratadine.

* plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Loratadine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your regular diet.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost 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.

Although side effects from loratadine are not common, they can occur. You may have discolored urine; this effect is harmless. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

* headache
* dry mouth, nose, and throat
* drowsiness If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

* rapid heartbeat
* difficulty urinating
* vision problems
* dizziness
* muscle weakness

Information:

Loratadine is used to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms, including sneezing; runny nose; and red, itchy, tearing eyes. Loratadine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Loratadine may cause less drowsiness than other antihistamines.