Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Loratadine Soft Gelatin Capsules
What the medication is used for:
LORATADINE SOFT GELATIN 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 molds).
- fast relief of allergic skin conditions, such as skin itch and hives.
What it does:
LORATADINE SOFT GELATIN 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 GELATIN CAPSULES do not cause drowsiness. It lets you stay alert and focused while relieving allergy symptoms.
When it should not be used:
LORATADINE SOFT GELATIN 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 nonmedicinal ingredients are:
Medium chain triglycerides, mono- and di-glycerides, povidone K12, polysorbate 80, purified water, gelatin, glycerine 99%, sorbitol special (sorbitol sorbitan solution), and FD&C blue #1.
What dosage forms it comes in:
Soft gelatin capsules, 10 mg
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
BEFORE taking LORATADINE SOFT GELATIN 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 LORATADINE SOFT GELATIN CAPSULES 48 hours prior to any skin testing procedures.
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
LORATADINE SOFT GELATIN CAPSULES may interact with drugs known to reduce liver metabolism.
If you are taking any medication, it is important to ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking LORATADINE SOFT GELATIN CAPSULES.
Alcohol has not been found to interact with LORATADINE SOFT GELATIN CAPSULES.
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Usual dose:
LORATADINE SOFT GELATIN CAPSULES: Adults and Children 12 years of age and over: Take one soft gelatin capsule daily, with water.
Adults and Children 12 years of age and over can take this medication for up to 6 months.
Overdose:
| In case of drug overdose, contact your Poison Control Centre, doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible, 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 GELATIN 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.
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.
Uncommon side effects in children include nervousness and nervous ticks as well as side effects involving the stomach or intestines.
| SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, HOW OFTEN THEY HAPPEN AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM | ||||
| Symptom / effect | Talk with 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) | √ | ||
| 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 GELATIN 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
If you want more information about LORATADINE SOFT GELATIN 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 by calling 1-800-XXX-XXXX