Loratadine (Claritin, Claritin Reditabs)

Category:

• Antihistamine

Description:

• Antihistamine

Indications:

• Seasonal rhinitis

• Idiopathic chronic urticaria

• Seasonal allergic rhinitis with asthma

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category B; excreted in breast milk at levels equivalent to serum levels

• Increased intraocular pressure

• Hepatic disease

• Renal insufficiency

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• CNS: insomnia, sedation

• GI: dry mouth

Dosage:

Administered orally

• Adult:   PO 10mg once daily; give every other day in hepatic impairment or renal insufficiency (CrCl <30 ml/min)

Special considerations:

• Effective, but expensive nonsedating antihistamine; reserve for patients unable to tolerate sedating antihistamines like diphenhydramine