Claratyne 10mg (Loratadine)

Claratyne general information

What is Claratyne used for?

Claratyne tablets 10mg (also known as Claratin) are used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergy, such as to pollen, also known as hay fever, and perennial allergy (such as allergy to animal fur, mould and house dust mites, which cause allergic rhinitis with symptoms including nasal congestion, runny itchy nose, sneezing, tearing, itchy, red, and puffy eyes and problems sleeping. Claratyne tablets 10mg are also used to relieve symptoms of allergic skin conditions like urticaria (hives), which is an allergic reaction of the skin, usually to a medicine, food, a bee or wasp sting, or direct contact with an allergen like latex; or chronic urticaria, which is often due to autoimmune disease, and appears as red, raised, itchy lumps on the skin. Claratyne tablets 10mg relieve symptoms of an allergic reaction but do not cure the allergy.

How does Claratyne work?

Claratyne tablets 10mg (also known as Claratin) contain the antihistamine loratadine, which blocks the action of histamine, a chemical that is released from mast cells, which are involved in allergic reactions. Histamine binds to the H1 receptor in small blood vessels causing them to leak, allowing white blood cells and blood proteins into the tissues to respond to allergens like pollen, causing tissue swelling and irritation. Loratadine in Claratyne tablets 10mg is an H1 receptor antagonist, and by blocking histamine binding to its receptor Claratyne tablets 10mg reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by the actions of histamine, like nasal congestion, itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing, or the symptoms of urticaria (hives), like red, raised, itchy lumps on the skin. Claratyne tablets 10mg have a long-lasting effect and are non sedative, (does not cause drowsiness), because the receptor binding action of loratadine is specific to peripheral H1 receptors in blood vessels rather than the H1 receptors in the central nervous system.

What does Claratyne contain?

Claratyne tablets 10mg contain the active ingredient loratadine, an antihistamine used to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis or urticaria (hives). They also contain starch, magnesium stearate and lactose.

Treating allergy with Claratyne

Claratyne tablets 10mg (also known as Claratin) contain the antihistamine loratadine, that blocks the action of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction, which causes small blood vessels to leak, allowing white blood cells and blood proteins into the tissues to respond to allergens like pollen, causing tissue swelling and irritation. Claratyne tablets 10mg are used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergy to pollen, also known as hay fever, perennial allergy (such as allergy to animal fur, mould and house dust mites), and urticaria (hives), and reduce the symptoms caused by the actions of histamine, like nasal congestion, itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing in allergic rhinitis, and red, raised, itchy lumps on the skin in urticaria. Claratyne tablets 10mg have a long-lasting effect and are non sedative, (does not cause drowsiness), because loratadine binds to specific to histamine (H1) receptors in blood vessels rather than in the central nervous system.

What are the side effects of Claratyne?

Claratyne tablets 10mg are generally well tolerated. The most commonly reported side effects when taking Claratyne tablets 10mg include: fatigue, nausea and headache.

When should Claratyne not be used?

You should not use Claratyne tablets 10mg if you:

• are allergic to loratadine or any ingredients in Claratyne tablets 10mg
• are pregnant or breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• are taking medications like ketoconazole, erythromycin or cimetidine, which may increase the blood levels of loratadine

How should Claratyne be taken?

You should take Claratyne tablets 10mg with a glass of water once daily with or without food, for as long as recommended by your pharmacist.

Missed dose of Claratyne

If you miss a dose of Claratyne tablets 10mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Claratyne be stored?

You should keep your Claratyne tablets 10mg in their blister packs until use. Store at room temperature below 25°C and keep protected from direct sunlight.