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Overview
Claritin is the third of a new generation of allergy medicines called
histamine H1 receptor antagonists.
These nonsedating antihistamines are
changing the way doctors control allergy symptoms.
Until these drugs
became available, virtually all oral allergy medicines caused some degree of
sedation. This made driving or operating machinery dangerous.
Nonsedating antihistamines like Claritin now provide many people
management of symptoms such as sneezing or hives without reducing alertness or
coordination. And unlike other allergy medicine, Claritin does not appear to
interact with sedatives.
In one popular prescription product, Claritin-D,
loratadine is combined with the decongestant pseudoephedrine for quicker relief
of congestion.
Side Effects and Interactions
Side effects with Claritin are not common, but
people have reported headache, fatigue, drowsiness and dry mouth.
Other
potential reactions include weight gain, blurred vision, weakness, dizziness,
nausea, anxiety, depression, impotence and menstrual changes. Report any
symptoms to your doctor.
For Claritin-D, the most common side effects
are headache, insomnia, and dry mouth. Indigestion and loss of appetite are
reported in addition to side effects listed for Claritin alone.
Certain
drugs can interact with Claritin to raise blood levels of the antihistamine.
Nizoral is known to boost blood levels of Claritin, but no changes in
heart rhythm or electrocardiogram (ECG) were noted as a result. In general, it
would be wise to check with your doctor or pharmacist if you must take Claritin
in combination with a medicine known to interact with the similar drugs,
Hismanal and Seldane.
These include erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, ERYC,
Ery-Tab, Erythrocin Stearate, etc.), Biaxin, Sporanox or Tagamet.
The
pseudoephedrine component of Claritin-D can reduce the effectiveness of many
blood pressure medicines and may interact with Lanoxin.
Check with your
pharmacist and physician to make sure Claritin or Claritin-D is safe in
combination with any other drug you take.
Special Precautions
Antihistamines should be avoided for several days before allergy skin testing, as they could interfere with the results.
People with liver problems should get a reduced dose of Claritin, as they process it less efficiently.
Recent animal research suggests that Claritin and other antihistamines may promote tumor growth. We hope that further research will clarify this risk.
People with cancer or at high risk of cancer should discuss this animal data with their physicians.
Claritin-D is not appropriate for people with narrow-angle glaucoma or urinary retention. It should not be taken by anyone on Eldepryl, Nardil, Parnate, or any other MAO inhibitor.
Taking the Medicine
Claritin is a long-acting antihistamine. One tablet daily will provide 24 hour coverage.
Claritin should be taken on an empty stomach, as food substantially interferes with
absorption. That means at least one hour before eating or two hours after a meal.
Claritin-D is also taken on an empty stomach, but two a day, 12 hours apart, are required for maximum effectiveness.
Did this drug work? Average rating: 3.6/5 (10 votes)
What do you think? Click the stars to vote!
If you have more to say, post a comment below!
After combining one Claritin (10 mg.) with dyphenhydramine (25), several hours later I experienced short-term memory loss lasting about 4 hours. First and only time I've combined these two and only time I've experienced this symptom.
I used Claritin daily for four years straight and gained 50 lbs in less than six months. It didn't begin immediately: it began in about year two. I had weighed 120 lbs (I'm 5'4" tall) for the previous eight years and NEVER had a weight problem in my life. I only figured out that it was the Claritin when I decided to stop taking it to see what would happen: I lost seven pounds in five days, and continued to lose an additional 25 lbs over the next six months. Years later, I switched to over-the-counter antihistamines and have now gained back all the weight I lost after ceasing Claritin. I conclude that all antihistamines may cause unexpected, unexplained weight gain. I guess I'll have to suffer with allergies for the rest of my life!
KS, I thought I was the only person who had that reaction to Claritin! I gained only a few pounds (about 4) but since it happened very suddenly and the only thing I had changed was taking the Claritin, I wondered if that was the culprit.
I did a quick internet search and saw "weight gain" listed as a side effect on a few site. And now that I saw your post I am convinced so I'll stop it and see what happens. Now looking for an herbal or homeopathic remedy for allergies.
I have been taking Claritin D for about 2 years and have memory issues since I started. I have also been taking Benadryl lately at night to sleep and it has gotten even worse. I am 39 and did not recognize my own 11 year old son a few weeks ago. I go to the Mall and forget which store I intended to shop in. I also cannot remember names of people I know very well, phone numbers, words for objects, and cannot find my keys. I often have to use the car alarm to find my car in a parking lot. I think I need to get off the allergy meds.
I have noticed I have gained 5 pounds in a month with claritin. My allergist weighs me every visit and now he wants to put me on singulair too!! I will try for two weeks only because I do not trust drugs or drug companies.
I have been on Claritin for about 1 month and could not understand why I was so hungry all the time. I blamed it on hormones until I googled claritin and weight gain and realized it has got to be the claritin. I have gained about 5 lbs because I'm hungry all the time. I'm not taking anymore Claritin!