Loratadine/Pseudoephedrine (By Mouth)

Loratadine (lor-AT-a-deen), Pseudoephedrine (soo-doe-e-FED-rin)

Treats hay fever symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Loratadine is an antihistamine, and pseudoephedrine is a decongestant.

Brand Name(s):

Claritin-D, Alavert D-12 Hour, Allergy & Congestion Relief, Claritin-D 24 Hour
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to loratadine or pseudoephedrine. If you have glaucoma, problems urinating, severe high blood pressure, or heart disease or if you have taken a type of medicine called an MAO inhibitor (such as Marplan®, Parnate®, or Nardil®) in the past 14 days, then you should not take this medicine.

How to Use This Medicine:

12 Hour Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, 24 Hour Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often. You should not use more of this medicine than your doctor ordered.
• Claritin-D 24 Hour® extended-release tablets should only be taken once a day.
• Take the tablet with a full glass of water.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew.
• It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.
• Drink plenty of liquids while taking this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• Take your medicine as soon as possible unless it is almost time for your next dose. If you are taking Claritin-D 24 Hour®, you should only take one dose a day.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Keep the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
• You should not use other antihistamines or decongestants while taking this medicine, including those you buy without a doctor's prescription.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking medicine for high blood pressure, ketoconazole (Nizoral®), cimetidine (Tagamet®), or erythromycin (E.E.S.®, ERYC®, Ery-Tab®, and others).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• You should not use Claritin-D 24 Hour® tablets if you have trouble swallowing tablets. The tablet could get stuck as it passes down toward your stomach.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or prostate problems before taking this medicine.
• This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Be careful if you are driving or using machinery.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Fainting or passing out

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Trouble sleeping
• Headache
• Nervousness
• Dry mouth or nose
• Dizziness or drowsiness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.