Home > Medical Reference > Complementary Medicine

Loratadine and Pseudoephedrine


Pronunciation

 (lor AT a deen & soo doe e FED rin)


U.S. Brand Names

 Alavert™ Allergy and Sinus [OTC]; Claritin-D® 12-Hour [OTC]; Claritin-D® 24-Hour [OTC]


Synonyms

 Pseudoephedrine and Loratadine


Generic Available

 Yes


Canadian Brand Names

 Chlor-Tripolon ND®; Claritin® Extra; Claritin® Liberator


Use

 Temporary relief of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, other upper respiratory allergies, or the common cold


Pregnancy Risk Factor

 B


Pregnancy Implications

 See individual agents.


Lactation

 Enters breast milk/not recommended


Contraindications

 Hypersensitivity to loratadine, pseudoephedrine, or any component of the formulation; use with or within 14 days of MAO inhibitors


Warnings/Precautions

 Use with caution in hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, increased intraocular pressure, hyperthyroidism, and prostatic hyperplasia. Patients with swallowing difficulties (eg, upper GI narrowing or abnormal esophageal peristalsis) should not use Claritin-D® 24-Hour. Use caution with hepatic or renal impairment; dose adjustment may be required. Safety and efficacy have not been established in children <12 years of age. When used for self medication (OTC use) patients should contact health care provider if fever present or if needed for >7 days.


Adverse Reactions

 See individual agents.


Drug Interactions

 Loratadine: Substrate (minor) of CYP2D6, 3A4; Inhibits CYP2C19 (moderate), 2D6 (weak)

Also see individual agents.


Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

 See individual agents.


Dosage

 Children 12 years and Adults: Oral:

Claritin-D® 12-Hour: 1 tablet every 12 hours

Alavert™ Allergy and Sinus, Claritin-D® 24-Hour: 1 tablet daily

Dosage adjustment in renal impairment : Clcr 30 mL/minute:

Claritin-D® 12-Hour: 1 tablet daily

Claritin-D® 24-Hour: 1 tablet every other day

Dosage adjustment in hepatic impairment : Should be avoided


Patient Education

 See individual agents. Do not crush, break, or chew tablet. Take with a full glass of water. Breast-feeding precaution: Breast-feeding is not recommended.


Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

 Key adverse event(s) related to dental treatment: Pseudoephedrine: Xerostomia (normal salivary flow resumes upon discontinuation).


Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

 Use with caution since pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine which could interact with epinephrine to cause a pressor response


Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

 Dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, and insomnia are common; may cause anxiety or depression; may rarely cause hallucinations


Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

 Contraindicated with MAO inhibitors


Dosage Forms

Tablet, extended release: Loratadine 10 mg and pseudoephedrine sulfate 240 mg

Alavert™ Allergy and Sinus, Claritin-D® 12-hour: Loratadine 5 mg and pseudoephedrine sulfate 120 mg

Claritin-D® 24-hour: Loratadine 10 mg and pseudoephedrine sulfate 240 mg


International Brand Names

 Chlor-Tripolon ND® (CA); Claritin® Extra (CA); Claritin® Liberator (CA)


A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com