Claritin D side effects are included in patient and physician leaflets sold with the medications, but few people read the fine print. Then they may experience side effects and wonder if the medication is causing them. As with any substances taken into the body, Claritin D can have side effects.
What is Claritin D?
Claritin D is the name of an antihistamine drug containing two major ingredients: Loratadine, one of the first non-drowsy antihistamine preparations, and pseudoephedrine, a common decongestant.. Trademarked and owned by Schering-Plough, Claritin D was considered a break through medication when it first made its appearance in the 1990s. Prior to the introduction of loratadine, most medications for seasonal allergies caused at least some drowsiness. Claritin D and other drugs that contain loratadine do not usually produce drowsiness in the typical patient.
How Loratadine Works
Loratadine affects histamine H1 receptors. During an allergic reaction, histamine is released. Loratadine is called an inverse agonist. An inverse agonist binds to the receptor cell site and reverses the activity. So instead of triggering the allergic reaction, it's supposed to calm and reverse it.
Side Effects of Claritin D
Like any medication, Claritin D can cause side effects. Because Claritin D is actually a combination of two drugs, loratadine and pseudoephedrine, side effects may be caused by either medication or by the combination of both. In addition, other medications can interact with Claritin D. It's important to seek the guidance of a physician or pharmacist for any questions related to medications, side effects or interactions among medications.
Medicinenet lists the following common side effects of Claritin D:
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Central nervous system excitement
Claritin D's ingredients, particularly pseudoephedrine, can also cause a temporary rise in blood pressure. Patients with high blood pressure are cautioned to take Claritin D and other antihistamines only under the guidance and direction of a physician. Usually the rise in blood pressure occurs within an hour of taking antihistamine medications. Patients with high blood pressure are often advised to take their blood pressure at home within an hour of taking the medication and noting any sudden increases. Call the doctor if blood pressure readings are abnormally high.
The ingredients in this medication have caused birth defects in animals, so pregnant and nursing woman should not take this medication due to the risk of the fetus or child.
Risks and Benefits of Antihistamine Drugs
Claritin D is just one among many antihistamine drugs, and all can cause side effects. It's important for patients to weigh the pros and cons of taking this and any medication against the possible side effects. Guided by a physician, patients can weigh the risks and benefits and choose allergy medications. There's no such thing as a "side effect free" medication. Among the millions of people taking a drug, one is bound to have a side effect. The goal is to find the right balance between risk and reward.
Sources
- Schering-Plough product website, Claritin D: http://www.claritin.com/
- Rx List - drug resource website: http://www.rxlist.com/claritin-d-drug.htm
- Web MD - Claritin D and Loratadine drug information: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-15983-Claritin-D+24+Hour+Oral.aspx?drugid=15983&drugname=Claritin-D+24+Hour+Oral
- Ask a Patient: Claritin D Side Effects: http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=19670&name=CLARITIN-D
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