Loratadine and pseudoephedrine

Loratadine and pseudoephedrine is a combination medicine that helps treat sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, sinus pain, itchy or watery eyes or nose, and other allergy symptoms and symptoms of the common cold.

Loratadine and pseudoephedrine may also be used for other 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 past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Do not use loratadine and pseudoephedrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could happen. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if loratadine and pseudoephedrine is safe for you if you have:

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

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.

loratadine and pseudoephedrine may cause serious side effects. Stop using loratadine and pseudoephedrine 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 loratadine and pseudoephedrine 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 occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

Loratadine 5 mg/ pseudoephedrine 120 mg per tablet: 1 tablet orally every 12 hoursMaximum dose: 2 tablets per 24 hoursLoratadine 10 mg/ pseudoephedrine 240 mg per tablet: 1 tablet orally once a dayMaximum dose: 1 tablet per 24 hours

Usual Adult Dose for Nasal Congestion:

Loratadine 5 mg/ pseudoephedrine 120 mg per tablet: 1 tablet orally every 12 hoursMaximum dose: 2 tablets per 24 hoursLoratadine 10 mg/ pseudoephedrine 240 mg per tablet: 1 tablet orally once a dayMaximum dose: 1 tablet per 24 hours

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

Loratadine 5 mg/ pseudoephedrine 120 mg per tablet:12 years and older: 1 tablet orally every 12 hoursMaximum dose: 2 tablets per 24 hoursLoratadine 10 mg/ pseudoephedrine 240 mg per tablet:12 years and older: 1 tablet orally once a dayMaximum dose: 1 tablet per 24 hours

Usual Pediatric Dose for Nasal Congestion:

Loratadine 5 mg/ pseudoephedrine 120 mg per tablet:12 years and older: 1 tablet orally every 12 hoursMaximum dose: 2 tablets per 24 hoursLoratadine 10 mg/ pseudoephedrine 240 mg per tablet:12 years and older: 1 tablet orally once a dayMaximum dose: 1 tablet per 24 hours

Since loratadine and pseudoephedrine is taken as needed, you might not have a regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it's close to the time for your next dose, 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.

loratadine and pseudoephedrine may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity 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 loratadine and pseudoephedrine with other drugs that cause drowsiness can make you feel even sleepier. Consult your doctor before taking opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may influence how loratadine and pseudoephedrine work, 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 medicines you begin or stop using.