Claritin-D 12 Hour is a combination medicine used to treat sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, sinus pain, itchy or watery eyes or nose, and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.

Claritin-D 12 Hour may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or allergy medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving this medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of cold or allergy medicines in very young children.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken a cold or allergy medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not use Claritin-D 12 Hour if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Claritin-D 12 Hour is safe to use if you have:

• liver or kidney disease;

• heart disease, high blood pressure;

• diabetes;

• thyroid disorder; or

• an enlarged prostate and urination problems.

Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Since Claritin-D 12 Hour is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

An overdose can cause severe drowsiness.

Claritin-D 12 Hour may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of this medication.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Claritin-D 12 Hour may cause serious side effects. Stop using Claritin-D 12 Hour and call your doctor at once if you have:

• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; or

• severe dizziness, nervousness, or restless feeling.

Common side effects of Claritin-D 12 Hour may include:

• dry mouth, nose, or throat;

• mild dizziness; or

• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Using Claritin-D 12 Hour with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may affect Claritin-D 12 Hour, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.