Generic Claritin is an antihistamine that relieves the sneezing, runny nose, stuffiness, itching, and tearing eyes caused by hay fever.

Generic Claritin is also prescribed for relief of the swollen, red, itchy patches of skin labeled chronic hives. If you have liver or kidney disease, your doctor should prescribe a lower starting dose of Generic Claritin.

Generic Claritin/Loratadine is a long-acting antihistamine.

Histamine is a chemical that causes many of the signs that are part of allergic reactions, for example, swelling of tissues. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells (mast cells) and attaches to other cells that have receptors for histamine. The attachment of the histamine to the receptors causes the cell to be \"activated,\" releasing other chemicals which produce the effects that we associate with allergy.

Generic Claritin (Loratadine) blocks one type of receptor for histamine (the H1 receptor) and thus prevents activation of cells by histamine.

Unlike most other antihistamines, Generic Claritin (loratadine) does not enter the brain from the blood and, therefore, does not cause drowsiness.

Generic Claritin is available in syrup, regular tablets, and rapidly dissolving tablets called Reditabs. The Generic Claritin Reditabs should be placed on the tongue rather than swallowed. They disintegrate rapidly and can be taken with or without water.

If you miss a Generic Claritin dose: Take the forgotten Generic Claritin dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next Generic Claritin dose, skip the one you missed. Never take 2 Generic Claritin doses at the same time.

Storage instructions for Generic Claritin: Generic Claritin can be stored at room temperature. The Generic Claritin Reditabs should be kept in a dry place. Use them within 6 months after opening the foil pouch in which they are packed. Take each Generic Claritin tablet immediately after removing it from its individual blister.

Side effects of Generic Claritin cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Generic Claritin.

More common side effects of Generic Claritin: May include dry mouth, fatigue, headache, sleepiness.

Less common or rare side effects of Generic Claritin: May include abdominal discomfort or pain, abnormal dreams, agitation, anxiety, back pain, blurred vision, breast enlargement, breast pain, bronchitis, change in salivation, change in taste, chest pain, confusion, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), constipation, coughing, coughing up blood, decreased sensitivity to stimulation, decreased sex drive, depression, diarrhea, difficult or labored breathing, difficulty concentrating, difficulty speaking, discoloration of urine, dizziness, dry hair, dry skin, earache, eye pain, fainting, fatigue, fever, flushing, gas, general feeling of illness, hair loss, hepatitis, hiccups, high blood pressure, hives, hyperactivity, impotence, increased appetite, increased or decreased eye tearing, increased sweating, indigestion, inflammation of the mouth, insomnia, irritability, itching, joint pain, laryngitis, leg cramps, loss of appetite, loose stools, low blood pressure, memory loss, menstrual changes, migraine, muscle pain, nasal congestion or dryness, nausea, nervousness, nosebleeds, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, rash, ringing in ears, seizures, sensitivity to light, sinus inflammation, skin inflammation, sneezing, sore throat, stiffness, stomach inflammation, swelling, thirst, tingling, toothache, tremor, twitching of the eye, upper respiratory infection, urinary changes, vaginal inflammation, vertigo, viral infection, vomiting, weakness, weight gain, wheezing, yellow eyes and skin.