Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Loratadine Soft Gel Capsules
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
LORATADINE SOFT GEL CAPSULES provide:
- fast relief from symptoms of allergies, including sneezing, runny nose and itchy nose, as well as itchy watery red burning 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:
LORATADINE SOFT GEL 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 defence 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.
LORATADINE SOFT GEL CAPSULES do not cause drowsiness. It lets you stay alert and focused while relieving allergy symptoms.
When it should not be used:
LORATADINE SOFT GEL CAPSULES should not be used:
- if you are allergic to loratadine, desloratadine or to any of the other product ingredients (see What the nonmedicinal ingredients are).
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What the medicinal ingredient is:
Loratadine
What the important nonmedicinal ingredients are:
FD&C blue #1, 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
ARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Serious Warnings and Precautions
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease. If appropriate, your doctor may recommend that you take one capsule (10 mg) of LORATADINE SOFT GEL CAPSULES every other day.
BEFORE taking LORATADINE SOFT GEL 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. If you become pregnant while taking LORATADINE SOFT GEL CAPSULES, call your doctor.
Stop taking LORATADINE SOFT GEL CAPSULES 48 hours prior to any skin testing procedures.
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
LORATADINE SOFT GEL 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 colds and allergies medications you are taking.
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Usual dose:
LORATADINE SOFT GEL CAPSULES: Adults and children (12 years of age and older): One capsule daily, with water.
Adults and children (over 12 years of age) can take this medication for up to 6 months. However prolonged use should only be on the advice of a physician.
Overdose:
| If you think you have taken too much LORATADINE SOFT GEL CAPSULES, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no 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 LORATADINE SOFT GEL CAPSULES may cause undesirable effects.
Mild side effects that may occur include: fatigue, headache, dry mouth, sleepiness, 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 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 | ||||
| Talk with your doctor or pharmacist | ||||
| Only if severe | In all cases | |||
| Common | Stomach discomfort – i.e. gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) | √ | ||
| Uncommon | Allergic reaction (rash, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat.) | √ | ||
| Rare | Fast heart rate or heart palpitations | √ | ||
| Rare | Liver dysfunction | √ | ||
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking LORATADINE SOFT GEL CAPSULES, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
HOW TO STORE IT
Store at room temperature 15°C 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
If you want more information about LORATADINE SOFT GEL CAPSULES:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Consumer Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/index-eng.jsp). Find the Consumer Information on the manufacturer’s website (http://www.apotex.ca/products) or by calling 1-800-667-4708