Drug
Uses
|
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For
the relief of allergy symptoms called seasonal allergic rhinitis.
This medicine may also be used for a rash or hives. This
medicine may be used for other conditions as determined by your
doctor.
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General
Information
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This
information is for educational purposes only. Not every known
side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this
database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to
your health care provider.
This medicine blocks the action of histamine. Histamine causes
allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itchy water eyes and runny
nose.
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How
Taken
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Follow the
directions that your doctor has given you. This medicine is
taken orally once daily on an empty stomach. Take the medication
about the same time every day.
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Possible
Side Effects
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Side
effects with this medicine are mild and may include:
- headache
- fatigue
- dry mouth
While taking this medicine, if you experience chest tightness,
difficulty in breathing or swallowing, swelling in the face or
lips, go to the doctor immediately and stop taking the
medication until you have talked to your doctor.
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Warnings/Precautions
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Report dizziness, heart palpitations or chest pain to your
doctor while using this medicine.
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Drug
Interactions
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Talk to your doctor. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) and Cimetidine (Tagamet)
can increase the amounts of this medicine in the blood.
Loratidine does interact with some antifungal and some macrolide
antibiotics, however no serious effects have been reported.
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Missed
Dose
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| Take
your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular
schedule. Do not double doses.
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Storage
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| Keep
this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and
out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away
from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away
any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
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Pregnancy/Nursing
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| Discuss
with your doctor the benefits versus the risks of using this
medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in the
breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you plan to breast-feed.
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