IMPORTANT NOTE:
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed
to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
LORATADINE WITH PSEUDOEPHEDRINE
24 HOUR TABLET - ORAL (lor-AT-uh-deen WITH sue-doh-eff-ED-rin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Claritin-D
USES: Loratadine is an antihistamine
that provides relief from symptoms of seasonal and allergic
rhinitis (e.g., hay fever) such as watery eyes, runny nose,
itching eyes and sneezing. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant
that relieves congestion, promotes sinus draining and improves
breathing.
HOW TO USE: Swallow the tablet
whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew or crush the
tablet, as doing so will destroy the long action and may increase
the side effects. Do not increase the dose or take this more
frequently than prescribed.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause difficulty
in sleeping, dry mouth, mild stomach upset, headache, nervousness,
dizziness, loss of appetite or thirst. These effects should
subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist
or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Loratadine does
not usually cause drowsiness when used at recommended doses
and under normal circumstances. However, be sure of the drug's
effects before engaging in activities that require alertness.
Notify your doctor if you develop: heart pounding, irregular
heartbeat, chest pain, ringing in the ears, difficulty urinating.
An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate
medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble
breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: If you have
glaucoma, diabetes, difficulty urinating, an enlarged prostate
gland, heart, kidney, liver, or respiratory disease, high
blood pressure, an overactive thyroid gland or have serious
difficulty in swallowing, do not use this drug unless your
doctor knows of your medical condition. Limit alcohol intake,
as it may intensify drug side effects. This drug should be
used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. It is not known
if this medication is found in breast milk. Consult your doctor
before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter
or prescription medication you may take, especially of: high
blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, sleeping pills, sedatives,
tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, other cold or allergy medicines.
Do not take this drug if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (e.g.,
furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
within the last two weeks. Do not start or stop any medicine
without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness,
nausea, vomiting, shakiness, sweating, insomnia, hallucinations,
rapid or irregular heartbeat, and seizures.
NOTES: Do not share this
product with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss
a dose, take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time
for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual
dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the doses.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature
away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
