How Effective is Claritin & What are Its Side Effects?

People who are suffering from any sort of kidney or liver disorder should first discuss the same with their doctors or pharmacist before starting with the medication.

Claritin is a drug that is effectively used for minimizing the effect of histamine in the body. This is why it is also known as antihistamine. Effects of Histamine includes constant sneezing, watery eyes, itching in body and runny nose. Hence, Claritin is effectively used for treating skin rashes, cold, any type of allergy, runny nose, sneezing and so on. This is not the end, Claritin is also helpful in curing other symptoms like itching and skin hives.

People who are allergic to desloratadine or loratadine should strictly avoid intake of Claritin. Before taking the medicine one should carefully read all the instructions mentioned on the label of the medicine. Inform your doctor about the health condition, allergies (if any) and about any other medicine that you are taking. This enable doctors to understand the condition of the patient in detail and they prescribe better medication. Some of the Claritin tablets contain phenylalanine, hence; if the medicine that you are taking contains phenylalanine i.e. PKU, then make sure that you consult your doctor about the same.

As discussed above Claritin is not advised for Patient suffering from desloratadine and loratadine. Also, confirm with the doctor if it is safe to take Claritin if a patient is suffering from any of the below mentioned health problems:

• Kidney Disorder
• Liver Disorder
• Asthma.

Even though, there are no evidence that use of Claritin harm an unborn baby still it is very important to inform the doctor if you are pregnant or planning a baby soon. The medicine is not prescribed for children who are less than six years of age but in case doctors find it safe then they can take the medicine.

Take Claritin just the way it is prescribed by the Patient or it is mentioned on the medicine label. Further, the medicine should be taken in the amount suggested by the doctor; Patients should not vary the dose on their own. This means one should not lessen or increase the dose of the medicine and should take the recommended dose only. Excess use of this medicine can even lead to death of any individual.

Usually, the medicines for allergy are recommended for smaller duration i.e. till the symptoms of the problem disappears. However, make sure that the medicine is not safe for kids who are less than two years of age. Experts suggest that any medicine for cold or cough should be given to kids only after discussing the same with the doctor.
Claritin is advised to be taken just once a day but along with that doctor’s instructions should also be followed carefully. Instead of chewing or crushing the capsule it should be swallow with plain water. Dose of the medicine can be measured either with a measuring spoon, cup or a syringe. In case you do not have the measuring spoon or any other device then make sure to ask your pharmacist about the same.

There are some Claritin capsules that are advised to chew first and then swallow with plain water.

• Take the tablet out only when are asked to take it. Break the package and take the medicine out, do not press hard to push the medicine through the foil as it can damage the capsule.
• Never touch the medicine with wet hands, instead; use clean and dry hands for keeping the tablet in mouth.
• Swallow the tablet as a whole can choke the food pipe, hence; it is advised to keep the tablet it mouth until it is completely dissolved and then swallow the same. If required one can drink more water for easy consumption.
• Consult the doctor immediately if the health condition become worst or the symptoms still appear.

One should consult a doctor if they experience any of these symptoms, like breathing problem, swelling on tongue, face or lips, hives, fast heart beat, headache and so on. In addition, some of the common side effects of taking Claritin include:

• Drowsiness
• Vomit sensation
• Dry mouth
• Hypertension.