Claritin-D contains a combination of loratadine and pseudoephedrine. Loratadine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

The pseudoephedrine in Claritin-D is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Claritin-D is used to treat sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.

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

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, or sleep medicine. Antihistamines and decongestants are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine or decongestant. Claritin-D may cause blurred vision or impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Claritin-D.

Use Claritin-D 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 Claritin-D 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.

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

1 tablet (5 mg-120 mg) orally twice a day
-or-
1 tablet (10 mg-240 mg) orally once daily.

Usual Adult Dose for Nasal Congestion:

1 tablet (5 mg-120 mg) orally twice a day
-or-
1 tablet (10 mg-240 mg) orally once daily.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

over 12 years:

1 tablet (5 mg-120 mg) orally twice a day
-or-
1 tablet (10 mg-240 mg) orally once daily.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Nasal Congestion:

over 12 years:

1 tablet (5 mg-120 mg) orally twice a day
-or-
1 tablet (10 mg-240 mg) orally once daily.

Do not use Claritin-D 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 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 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.

This medicine 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 to Claritin-D: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; or

• severe dizziness, nervousness, or restless feeling.

Common Claritin-D side effects 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 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 interact with loratadine and pseudoephedrine, 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.