Why is Claritin prescribed?
Claritin is an antihistamine that relieves the sneezing, runny nose, stuffiness, itching, and tearing eyes caused by hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies. It also relieves the swollen, red, itchy patches of skin caused by hives. Claritin is also available as an over-the-counter product.
Most important fact about Claritin
If you have liver or kidney disease, your doctor should prescribe a lower starting dose of Claritin.
How should you take Claritin?
Claritin is available in syrup, regular tablets, and rapidly dissolving tablets called Reditabs. The 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 dose...
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed. Never take two doses at the same time.
--Storage instructions...
Claritin can be stored at room temperature. The 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 tablet immediately after removing it from its individual blister.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects 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 Claritin.
• More common side effects may include:
Dry mouth, fatigue, headache, sleepiness
Why should Claritin not be prescribed?
Do not take Claritin if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to it. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced.
Special warnings about Claritin
This medication may cause excessive sleepiness in people with liver or kidney disease, or older adults, and should be used with caution.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Claritin
Although no harmful interactions with Claritin have been reported, there is a theoretical possibility of an interaction with the following drugs:

Antibiotics such as erythromycin
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Claritin during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Claritin appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Claritin is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Claritin is finished.
Recommended dosage
ADULTS AND CHILDREN 6 YEARS OF AGE AND OVER
The usual dose is 10 milligrams once a day, taken as 1 tablet or 2 teaspoonfuls of syrup. In people with liver or kidney disease, the usual dose is 10 milligrams every other day.
CHILDREN 2 TO 5
The usual dose is 1 teaspoonful of syrup once a day. If the child has kidney or liver problems, give 1 teaspoonful every other day.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of Claritin overdose may include:
Headache, rapid heartbeat, sleepines
Why is Claritin prescribed
Elimite (Permethrin) 5% Cream is a topical scabicidal agent used to treat scabies infections and lice infestations of the head, body, and pubic area (crabs). Elimite works by killing the tiny insects (mites) that cause scabies. Elimite comes in a cream and liquid (cream rinse) to use externally. Elimite (Permethrin) Cream is for topical use only.
Do NOT use Elimite Cream if:
• you are allergic to any ingredient in Elimite Cream
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Elimite Cream:
Some medical conditions may interact with Elimite Cream. 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
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Elimite Cream. Because little, if any, of Elimite Cream is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.
Ask your health care provider if Elimite Cream 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 Elimite Cream:
Use Elimite Cream as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
• Thoroughly massage into the skin from the head to the soles of the feet. It is not necessary to put the medicine on the scalp except in children and older patients.
• Remove the medicine by washing after 8 to 14 hours.
• You may experience itching after treatment. This is not a sign of treatment failure. However if living mites are seen after 14 days, retreatment is necessary.
• If you miss a dose of Elimite Cream, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use it as directed by your doctor.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Elimite Cream.
Important safety information:
• Elimite Cream is for external use only. Do not use it near the eyes or allow it to come into contact with the inside of the nose, mouth, or genitals. Irritation may occur if Elimite Cream comes into contact with these areas. If Elimite Cream gets in your eyes, flush with water immediately.
• Elimite Cream should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 2 months old; 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 Elimite Cream while you are pregnant. It is not known if Elimite Cream is found in breast milk after topical use. Do not breast-feed while using Elimite Cream.
Possible side effects of Elimite Cream:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Itching; mild burning or stinging; redness; swelling.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).
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.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Elimite Cream may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms may include dizziness; headache; loss of appetite; loss of consciousness; seizures; vomiting; weakness.
Proper storage of Elimite Cream:
Store Elimite Cream at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Elimite Cream out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
• If you have any questions about Elimite Cream, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Elimite Cream is 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 Elimite Cream. 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.