Claritin Allergy & Sinus

Uses of Claritin Allergy & Sinus

Claritin Allergy & Sinus is a combination medication designed to relieve symptoms associated with seasonal allergies (hay fever) and sinus congestion. It contains two active ingredients:

Loratadine (antihistamine): Provides relief from allergy symptoms like:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Itchy throat or nose

Pseudoephedrine (decongestant): Reduces nasal and sinus congestion by shrinking swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages.

Precautions and Warings

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Dependence and abuse: Pseudoephedrine has been misused by some people to experience a feeling of being energized, more alert, and in a better mood. Excessive doses can cause severe side effects, including high blood pressure, seizures and stroke. It is important to use this medication as recommended by your pharmacist or doctor and to stop taking the medication when your cold or sinus symptoms have resolved.

Heart problems: Pseudoephedrine can cause increased blood pressure. It may also cause increased heart rate or irregular heartbeat. If you have a history of heart attack, angina, stroke or other conditions that can be worsened by changes to the heart and blood vessels, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Loratadine passes into breast milk. Pseudoephedrine may pass into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children less than 12 years of age.

Seniors: Seniors should use this medication with caution, and should not exceed the recommended dose. Side effects such as confusion, hallucinations, and convulsions are more likely to occur for people over the age of 60. If you are over 60, speak with your doctor about the

Dosage

Usual Dose

• Adults and children (12 years of age and older): one tablet every 12 hours Do not exceed more than two tablets in 24 hours. Do not crush, break , chew or dissolve the tablet. Swallow whole with water
• Limited to 3 months of use unless recommended by a doctor.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue or drowsiness (though rare, as loratadine is non-drowsy)
• Nervousness or restlessness
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
• Nervousness or jitteriness
• Dizziness