Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Claritin Liquid Capsules
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
CLARITIN LIQUID CAPSULES provides:
- fast relief from symptoms of allergies, including sneezing, runny nose and itchy nose, as well as itchy watery red eyes, caused by exposure to seasonal allergens (trees, grass, and ragweed pollen) and perennial (year round) allergens (dust mites, animal dander and moulds).
- fast relief of allergic skin conditions, such as skin itch and hives.
What it does:
CLARITIN LIQUID CAPSULES contain a long-acting antihistamine, which blocks the action of histamine and relieves allergy symptoms. Histamine is a chemical released by the immune system – the body's defense against invading substances – when the body is affected by substances that you are allergic to (allergens).
Most people will feel relief of allergy symptoms within 2 hours of taking the medication.
Symptom relief will be maintained for 24 hours. CLARITIN LIQUID CAPSULES do not cause drowsiness. It lets you stay alert and focused while relieving allergy symptoms.
When it should not be used:
CLARITIN LIQUID CAPSULES should not be used:
- if you are allergic to loratadine, desloratadine or to any of the other product ingredients (see What the important non-medicinal ingredients are).
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What the medicinal ingredient is:
Loratadine
What the important non-medicinal ingredients are: In alphabetical order: FD&C blue, gelatin, glycerin, mono- and di-glycerides, polysorbate, povidone, purified water, sorbitol sorbitan solution, and triglycerides.
What dosage forms it comes in:
Capsules, 10 mg
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
BEFORE taking CLARITIN LIQUID CAPSULES talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- have kidney disease
- have liver disease as you may require a dose adjustment
- plan to become pregnant
Stop taking CLARITIN LIQUID CAPSULES 48 hours prior to any skin testing procedures.
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
CLARITIN LIQUID CAPSULES may interact with other medications. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking. It is important to mention other cold and allergy medications you are taking.
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Usual Dose:
Adults and children (12 years of age and older): One capsule daily, with water.
Adults and children (12 years of age and older) can take this medication for up to 6 months. However, prolonged use should only be on the advice of a doctor.
Overdose:
| IN CASE OF OVERDOSE: Call a health care practitioner, hospital emergency department or regional poison control centre immediately, even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms. |
Missed Dose:
If you miss taking your dose on time, do not worry; take your dose when you remember. Do not exceed more than one dose in 24 hours.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Along with its desired effects CLARITIN LIQUID CAPSULES may cause undesirable effects.
Mild side effects that may occur include fatigue, headache, dry mouth, sedation, stomach and digestive discomfort such as gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) and nausea. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.
Uncommon side effects include: increase in appetite, coughing, and dizziness. Rarely you may experience allergic reactions to the medication that may appear as a rash, swelling or difficulty in breathing or swallowing, wheezing, swelling of eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat. Additionally, hair loss, abnormal liver function, and abnormally fast heart rate or heart palpitations may occur rarely. Convulsions and seizures may occur very rarely.
| SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, HOW OFTEN THEY HAPPEN AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your doctor or pharmacist | Stop taking drug and call your doctor or pharmacist | ||
| Only if severe | In all cases | |||
| Common | Stomach discomfort - i.e. gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) | √ | ||
| Uncommon | Allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat.) | √ | ||
| Rare | Fast heart rate or heart palpitations | √ | ||
| Liver dysfunction | √ | |||
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking CLARITIN LIQUID CAPSULES, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
HOW TO STORE IT
Store at room temperature 15° to 30°C. Protect from exposure to excessive moisture.
Keep out of reach of children.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
MORE INFORMATION
This document plus the full product monograph, prepared for health professionals can be found at:
www.bayer.ca
® TM see www.bayer.ca/tm-mc