Loratadine impurities are generally prescribed
to briefly alleviate symptoms of allergies and hay fever. The symptoms which
are improved with Loratadine are runny nose, sneezing and itching in eyes, nose
or throat. The medication also helps in reducing itchiness and redness which
arise due to hives. Loratadine impurities do not treat or prevent allergies or
hives but provides temporary relief. It comes under the class of medicines
called antihistamines and blocks the reactions of histamine, which crops up
allergies in the body. The medication is also offered in combination with
pseudoephedrine and you must take it under the guidance of your doctor or pharmacist.
The medicine Loratadine is available in tablet, liquid syrup or disintegrating
tablet form and is usually prescribed to be taken once a day. It must be taken
as directed by the physician and take the prescribed quantity only.
Overdose of
the medication causes drowsiness to so take as much quantity as
prescribed. If your hives are of
different type like bruised, blistered, or of a different color, then you must
not take the medicine without doctor’s advice. If you have hives and it does
not improve in the first three days of starting treatment, then you should
visit the doctor and stop taking loratadine. In case you are treating hives
with this medication and following symptoms crop up, then you must go to
emergency right away. These symptoms are: difficulty in speaking, swallowing,
breathing; wheezing; dizziness; drooling; swelling in the mouth or on the
tongue or unconsciousness. These symptoms may be life threatening from
anaphylaxis so get emergency help immediately.
There are
several precautions to be taken before starting the medicine and the first one
is to inform the doctor or pharmacist about any medication allergies to
loratadine or other medicines. Inform them about other medicines which you are
taking like vitamins, supplements or other prescribed medicines, especially
cold and allergies. In case you are suffering from asthma, liver disease or
kidney problems, you must tell the doctor and he must know if you are pregnant
or breastfeeding as it may be harmful for the baby. Loratadine in disintegrated
form contains aspartame, which should be avoided by patients suffering from
Phenylketonuria. The dietary intake is normal during the medicine and if you
miss the dose then continue with the next dose, do not take a double dose.
There are
several side effects caused by loratadine, which may or may not be severe so
inform your doctor about them. These side effects mainly are: dry mouth,
headache, sore throat, nose bleeding, nervousness, weakness, stomachache, mouth
sores, diarrhea, reddish or itchy eyes. However, some people can face serious
side effects like: hives, rashes, itching, swelling, hoarseness, wheezing or
difficulty in swallowing or breathing. In these cases stop taking the
medication and contact the doctor immediately. If the medicine has been
overdosed then rush the patient to the hospital instantaneously for poison
treatment. Overdosed patient may experience drowsiness, headache, fast
heartbeat or uncommon body movements. Whenever you visit the doctor make sure
to keep a list of all the drugs and medicines which you are taking. Loratadine
is sold under brand names Agistam, Claritin, Alavert, Clear-Atadine, Dimetapp
ND, Tavist and Wal-itin.