Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Taro-Loratadine
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
Taro-Loratadine Tablets 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:
Taro-Loratadine contains 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.
Taro-Loratadine does not cause drowsiness. It lets you stay alert and focused while relieving allergy symptoms.
When it should not be used:
Taro-Loratadine should not be used:
- if you are allergic to loratadine, desloratadine or any of the other product ingredients (see What the important nonmedicinal ingredients are).
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What the medicinal ingredient is:
loratadine
What the important nonmedicinal ingredients are:
In alphabetical order: corn starch, lactose, magnesium stearate, and
pregelatinized starch.
What dosage forms it comes in:
Tablets, 10 mg
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
BEFORE you use Taro-Loratadine talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:
- plan to become pregnant
- have kidney disease
- you have liver disease as you may require a dose adjustment
Stop taking Taro-Loratadine 48 hours prior to any skin testing procedures.
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
Taro-Loratadine 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 Taro-Loratadine.
Alcohol has not been found to interact with Taro-Loratadine.
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Usual dose:
Adults and adolescents (12 years of age and older): One tablet daily, with water.
Adults and adolescents (over 12 years of age) 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, Taro-Loratadine 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, swelling or difficulty in breathing. 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 | √ | ||
| Liver dysfunction | √ | |||
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking Taro-Loratadine, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
HOW TO STORE IT
Store Taro-Loratadine between 15ºC and 30ºC. 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:
Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction
Reporting (https://www.canada.ca/en/health- canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect- canada/adverse-reaction-reporting.) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax
; or
- Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canadian Vigilance
Program does not provide medical advice.
MORE INFORMATION
This document plus the full product monograph, prepared for health professionals can be found at:
http://www.taro.ca