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Claritin-D

Generic name: loratadine and pseudoephedrinelor-AT-a-deen-and-SOO-doe-ee-FED-rin ]
Brand names: Claritin-D 12 Hour, Claritin-D 24 Hour
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jun 14, 2023.

What is Claritin-D?

Claritin-D contains a combination of loratadine and pseudoephedrine. Loratadine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

The pseudoephedrine in Claritin-D is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Claritin-D is used to treat sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.

Warnings

Do not use Claritin-D if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, or sleep medicine. Antihistamines and decongestants are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine or decongestant. Claritin-D may cause blurred vision or impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Claritin-D.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use Claritin-D if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Claritin-D is safe to use if you have:

Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take Claritin-D?

Use Claritin-D exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or allergy medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving Claritin-D to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of cold or allergy medicines in very young children.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken a cold or allergy medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

1 tablet (5 mg-120 mg) orally twice a day
-or-
1 tablet (10 mg-240 mg) orally once daily.

Usual Adult Dose for Nasal Congestion:

1 tablet (5 mg-120 mg) orally twice a day
-or-
1 tablet (10 mg-240 mg) orally once daily.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

over 12 years:

1 tablet (5 mg-120 mg) orally twice a day
-or-
1 tablet (10 mg-240 mg) orally once daily.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Nasal Congestion:

over 12 years:

1 tablet (5 mg-120 mg) orally twice a day
-or-
1 tablet (10 mg-240 mg) orally once daily.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Claritin-D is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

An overdose can cause severe drowsiness.

What to avoid

This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of this medication.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

Claritin-D side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Claritin-D: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common Claritin-D side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Claritin-D?

Using Claritin-D with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with loratadine and pseudoephedrine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Claritin-D only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.