Claritin tablets contain the active ingredient loratadine, which is a type of medicine called a non-sedating antihistamine. It relieves the symptoms of hayfever (sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes), and can also treat hives and associated itching of the skin. Loratadine works by preventing the actions of histamine.
Histamine is a substance produced by the body as part of its defence mechanisms. It is stored in cells called mast cells, in almost all tissues of the body. When the body reacts to a foreign substance (known as an allergen), the mast cells stimulated by the allergen release their stores of histamine.
The released histamine then binds to its receptors (H1 receptors), causing a chain reaction that results in allergic symptoms. It causes an increase in blood flow to the area of the allergy, and the release of other chemicals that add to the allergic response.
All this results in the symptoms of an allergic reaction. In hayfever, histamine causes inflammation of the nose, eyes, skin or airways and results in itchy watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion.
Claritin works by blocking histamine H1 receptors. It does not prevent the actual release of histamine from mast cells, but prevents it binding to its receptors. This in turn prevents the release of other allergy chemicals and increased blood supply to the area, and provides relief from the typical symptoms of hayfever.
Claritin can also be used to relieve the symptoms of a condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria. This is a chronic itchy rash, similar to nettle rash, but with no apparant cause. Blocking the actions of histamine relieves the itching and reduces the rash associated with this condition.
Loratadine is called a non-sedating antihistamine as it does not enter the brain in significant amounts, and is therefore unlikely to cause drowsiness.
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CLARITIN-D 12 HOUR provides relief from a whole range of seasonal nasal allergy symptoms at once: your stuffy, congested nose; itchy, watery eyes; runny nose; and sneezing, in one convenient tablet. This drug is approved for use in people 12 years of age and older. Taken twice a day, CLARITIN-D 12 HOUR provides relief without making you sleepy during the day and without keeping you up at night. Ask your doctor whether it is right for you or someone in your family.
This drug (5 mg loratadine/120 mg pseudoephedrine sulfate, USP) Extended Release Tablets are safe to take as prescribed: one tablet every 12 hours daily for people ages 12 and up. In studies, sleeplessness and dry mouth were the most commonly reported side effects. Other side effects, including headache, drowsiness, and nervousness, occurred about as often as they did with a sugar pill.
Some people should not take it. Due to pseudoephedrine (the decongestant in CLARITIN-D 12 HOUR tablets and many over-the-counter allergy medications), you should not take it if you have glaucoma (abnormally high pressure in your eyes), difficulty urinating, severe high blood pressure, severe heart disease, or are taking MAO inhibitors (certain prescription medications that treat depression).
Some people need to be especially careful using CLARITIN-D 12 HOUR. Check with your healthcare provider before taking CLARITIN-D 12 HOUR if you have high blood pressure; diabetes; heart disease; increased intraocular pressure (eye pressure); thyroid, liver, or kidney problems; enlarged prostate; or if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing a baby. You shouldn't take CLARITIN-D12 HOUR with any other antihistamines and decongestants, as too much pseudoephedrine sulfate can cause nervousness, sleeplessness, dizziness, and other related side effects.
Mint-flavored, nondrowsy CLARITIN REDITABS offer convenient, seasonal allergy relief that dissolves on your tongue. You can take it anytime, anyplace without water. And you don't have to worry about feeling groggy - it won't make you sleepy, when taken at the recommended dose.
One tablet daily delivers effective, 24-hour seasonal allergy relief that's just right for children and adults on the go. So whether you're biking or playing soccer, or even working late at the office, CLARITIN REDITABS deliver the seasonal allergy relief you need anytime, anywhere. This drug is well tolerated, with a low occurrence of side effects. Side effects in adults resembled those seen with Claritin Tablets (headache, drowsiness, fatigue, and dry mouth) and were similar to those with a sugar pill.