Claritin-D 12 Hour

Claritin-D 12 Hour is a combination medicine that helps relieve sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, sinus pain, itchy or watery eyes or nose, and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.

Claritin-D 12 Hour may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

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.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. This includes isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Do not use Claritin-D 12 Hour if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction may happen. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to use Claritin-D 12 Hour if you have:

• liver or kidney disease;
• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• diabetes;
• a thyroid disorder; or
• an enlarged prostate and problems with urination.

Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Claritin-D 12 Hour may cause serious side effects. Stop using Claritin-D 12 Hour and call your doctor right away if you have:

• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; or
• severe dizziness, nervousness, or a restless feeling.

Common side effects of Claritin-D 12 Hour may include:

• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• mild dizziness; or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Since Claritin-D 12 Hour is taken as needed, you might not have a regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next one, just skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

An overdose can cause severe drowsiness.

Claritin-D 12 Hour may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of this medication.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

Using Claritin-D 12 Hour with other medications that cause drowsiness can increase this effect. Consult your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other medications may interact with Claritin-D 12 Hour, including both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any new medicine you begin or stop using.