Why is claritin d over the counter

Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or allergy medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up. Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving this medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy.

Death can occur from the misuse of cold or allergy medicines in very young children. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken a cold or allergy medicine within the past few days. Since this medicine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Health Topics. Health Tools. Generic Name: Loratadine and pseudoephedrine. Reviewed: June 23, Sign up for Claritin price alerts and find out when the price changes!

Get price alerts. Nasal symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing are caused by rhinitis, which is the inflammation of the mucous membranes. This group of symptoms is collectively known as hay fever. Loratadine can also treat allergic conjunctivitis, or itchy, watery eyes. While Claritin-D can treat the aforementioned symptoms, it is more suitable for treating nasal congestion and sinus pressure symptoms that accompany allergies.

Claritin and Claritin-D are both effective for treating symptoms of seasonal allergies and perennial year-round allergies. For someone with typical mild allergy symptoms, Claritin can be enough to relieve symptoms.

For someone with more severe allergy symptoms that include nasal congestion and sinus pressure, Claritin-D may be better. Currently, there are no substantial clinical studies comparing Claritin and Claritin-D. Instead, one study from the compared hour Claritin-D and hour Claritin-D. Both drugs were significantly effective for treating nasal stuffiness and a runny nose compared to a placebo. The hour Claritin-D was found to be comparable to hour Claritin-D in efficacy while producing less insomnia.

One allergy study found that relief of sneezing and congestion was marginally better with cetirizine. Loratadine and cetirizine did not have significant differences in side effects according to the study. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to determine which OTC Claritin may be best for you.

Depending on your overall symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend one version over the other, especially if you have nasal congestion. Claritin is an OTC brand-name drug that is widely available in generic form.

Generic loratadine can be found at most pharmacies, retailers, and grocery stores. Most Medicare and insurance plans may not cover Claritin. Claritin-D is not generally covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. However, you can use a SingleCare discount card for generic Claritin-D to save much more. Get a prescription coupon. The most common side effects of Claritin and Claritin-D include headache, drowsiness, fatigue, and dry mouth.

Other common side effects of these drugs include nervousness and dizziness. Claritin-D may also cause insomnia or trouble sleeping as well as excitability due to the stimulant nature of pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine may also alter or increase blood pressure, especially in those with a medical history of high blood pressure.

Serious side effects can include allergic reactions to any of the ingredients in Claritin or Claritin-D. These adverse effects include difficulty breathing, chest tightening, hives, and wheezing. If you experience these side effects, seek medical attention immediately. This may not be a complete list. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for possible side effects. The information on this site is intended for healthcare professionals in the United States and is not intended for the general public.

I am a Healthcare Professional. I am not a Healthcare Professional. Get A Coupon. If you're in the allergy X allergy An exaggerated response of the immune system to a substance that is ordinarily harmless. You will need to provide your identification before purchase. If you do not know if your prescription drug contains an MAOI, ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. Ask a doctor before use if you have: Heart disease Thyroid disease High blood pressure Diabetes Trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland Liver or kidney disease.

Your doctor should determine if you need a different dose. Stop use and ask a doctor if: An allergic reaction to this product occurs.

Seek medical help right away Symptoms do not improve within 7 days or are accompanied by a fever Nervousness, dizziness or sleeplessness occurs If pregnant or breast-feeding , ask a health professional before use.