Loratadine Capsules

Loratadine Capsules are used for:

Relieving symptoms of seasonal allergies such as runny nose; sneezing; itchy, watery eyes; or itching of the nose and throat. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Loratadine Capsules are an antihistamine. It works by blocking a substance in the body called histamine. This helps to decrease allergy symptoms.

Do NOT use Loratadine Capsules if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Loratadine Capsules

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Loratadine Capsules:

Some medical conditions may interact with Loratadine Capsules. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney or liver problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Loratadine Capsules. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Amiodarone because the risk of severe irregular heartbeat may be increased

Ask your health care provider if Loratadine Capsules may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Loratadine Capsules:

Use Loratadine Capsules as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Loratadine Capsules by mouth with or without food.
• If you miss a dose of Loratadine Capsules, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Loratadine Capsules.

Important safety information:

• Taking Loratadine Capsules in high doses may cause drowsiness. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.
• Loratadine Capsules may interfere with skin allergy tests. If you are scheduled for a skin test, talk to your doctor. You may need to stop taking Loratadine Capsules for a few days before the tests.
• Loratadine Capsules should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old without checking with the child's doctor; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Loratadine Capsules while you are pregnant. Loratadine Capsules are found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Loratadine Capsules, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Loratadine Capsules:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. No COMMON side effects have been reported with this product. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include fast or irregular heartbeat; severe drowsiness or headache.

Store Loratadine Capsules at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Do not freeze. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Loratadine Capsules out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Loratadine Capsules, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Loratadine Capsules are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Loratadine Capsules. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.