Claritin is the trade name for Loratadine as manufactured by Catalent Pharma Solutions. Claritin is an orally administered antihistamine that is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Claritin also comes packaged with a decongestant.http://www.drugs.com/claritin.html The symptoms of seasonal allergies include sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, coughing, and congestion.http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/allergy-and-asthma/articles/2009/05/01/seasonal-allergy-symptoms-6-ways-to-prevent-or-treat-them.html

Claritin comes in various forms and combinations. A liquid version primarily intended for children is available for those over 6 years old. It is also available in tablet form and as a rapidly dissolving tablet although the latter form may contain phenylalanine which causes an allergic reaction in some people. Claritin is also available in combination with the decongestant pseudoephedrine which can cause problems for a portion of the community.http://www.rxlist.com/claritin-drug.htm

This medication can also be used for certain allergic reaction visible on the skin such as rashes and hives, but it is not recommended for use on on hives that are bruised or blistered.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a697038.html

Claritin was originally introduced to the world by Schering-Plough in 1988 in Belgium as a prescription medication. In 1993 it was approved for prescription use in the U.S. for seasonal allergies. Claritin has been available in many countries as an over the counter drug for many years . Some countries offered it as a behind the counter medication which meant that it was available without a prescription but had to be issued by a pharmacist. http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/02/briefing/3850b1_04_pulmonarysummary.htm

Claritin was approved for over the counter use in the U.S. on November 27, 2002. In order for this approval to take place, the FDA had to determine that the medication could be used to treat a condition that consumers could diagnose and manage on their own. It also had to be proven safe for use by consumers without the continued direct supervision of a physician. In addition, the company must provide an explanation of all potentially adverse effects and the conditions of use with easily understandable directions for use on the label. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=21882

• Headache

• Dry mouth

• Nose bleed

• Sore throat

• Mouth sores

• Difficulty sleeping

• Nervousness

• Weakness

• Stomach pain

• Diarrhea

• Red or itchy eyeshttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a697038.html

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.