Clarityn tablets contain the active substance loratadine which belongs to a class of medicines called “antihistamines”.
How Clarityn works:
Clarityn helps to reduce your allergy symptoms by stopping the effects of a substance called“histamine”, which is produced in the body when you are allergic to something.
When Clarityn should be taken:
Clarityn relieves symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis (for example, hay fever), such as sneezing, runny or itchy nose, and burning or itchy eyes.
Clarityn may also be used to help relieve symptoms of urticaria (itching, redness and number and size of hives).
The effect of Clarityn will last a whole day and should help you to continue your normal daily activities and sleep.
You must talk to a doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel worse.
Suitable for & How to use
Always take this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor, pharmacist or nurse has told you. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are not sure.
Always take this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
The score line of the tablet is only there to help you break the tablet if you have difficulty swallowing it whole.
How much to take:
Adults and children 6 years of age and older with a body weight greater than 30 kg:
Take one tablet once daily with a glass of water, with or without food.
Body weight of 30 kg or less:
Do not give Clarityn. There are other formulations more suitable for children younger than 6 years who weigh 30 kg or less.
Children under 2 years of age:
Clarityn is not recommended for children younger than 2 years old.
Adults and children with severe liver problems:
Adults and children who weigh more than 30 kg
Take one tablet once every other day with a glass of water, with or without food. However, you should talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking this medicine.
If you take more Clarityn than you should, talk to your doctor or pharmacist straight away.
No serious problems are expected however, you may get a headache, have a rapid heartbeat or feel sleepy.
If you forget to take Clarityn
• If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember, then continue to take it as usual.
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Ingredients
The active substance is loratadine. Each tablet contains 10 mg loratadine.
The other ingredients are lactosemonohydrate, maize starch, magnesium stearate.
Warning & Precautions
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking Clarityn if:
• you have liver disease
• you are scheduled to have any skin tests for allergies.
Do not take Clarityn for two days before having these tests. This is because it may affect the test results.
If any of the above apply to you (or you are not sure), talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking Clarityn.
Children:
Do not give Clarityn tablets to children younger than 6 years old or to children who weigh 30 kg or less. There are other formulations more suitable for children younger than 6 years or who weigh 30 kg or less.
Children under 2 years of age:
The safety and efficacy of Clarityn have not been established. No data are available.
Other medicines and Clarityn
The side effects of Clarityn may increase when used together with medicines that alter the performance of some enzymes responsible for drug-metabolism in the liver. However, in clinical studies, no increase in side effects of loratadine was seen with products that altered the performance of these enzymes.
Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This includes medicines obtained without a prescription.
Clarityn has not been shown to add to the effects of an alcoholic drink.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding - If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
As a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the use of Clarityn during pregnancy.
Do not take Clarityn if you are breast-feeding. Loratadine is excreted in breast milk.
Driving and using machines
In clinical trials that assessed driving ability, no impairment was observed in patients receiving loratadine. At the recommended dose, Clarityn is not expected to cause you to be drowsy or less alert.
However, very rarely some people experience drowsiness, which may affect their ability to drive or use machines.
Clarityn contains lactose; thus if you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.