Clarityn (Loratadine) Tablets

What is Clarityn (Loratadine)?

Clarityn Allergy Tablets contain the active substance loratadine, which belongs to a class of medicines called second-generation antihistamines. Unlike older antihistamines that can cause significant drowsiness, Clarityn is designed to provide relief from allergy symptoms with minimal effect on alertness for most people.

Mechanism of Action

Clarityn works through a targeted mechanism:

• Histamine blockade: Selectively blocks H1 histamine receptors in the body
• Peripheral action: Primarily affects receptors outside the central nervous system
• Long duration: Provides 24-hour symptom relief from a single dose

Think of histamine as an alarm system that triggers allergy symptoms - Clarityn effectively mutes this alarm without significantly affecting your brain's alertness center. The drug is metabolized in the liver to its active form, desloratadine, which provides sustained therapeutic effects.

What is Clarityn Used For?

Clarityn is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with:

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): Sneezing, runny or itchy nose, burning or itchy eyes
• Chronic idiopathic urticaria: Itching and redness (hives or nettle rash)

Approved Patient Groups

Before Using Clarityn

Essential considerations before initiating treatment:

Medical History Assessment

• Liver disease or impairment (requires dose adjustment)
• Known hypersensitivity to loratadine or other antihistamines
• Kidney problems (use with caution)
• Planned allergy skin tests (stop Clarityn 2 days before testing)

Required Considerations

1. Assess liver function if hepatic impairment is suspected
2. Confirm patient is not pregnant or breastfeeding
3. Evaluate for lactose intolerance (tablets contain lactose)
4. Review current medications for potential interactions

Clarityn Contraindications

Absolute contraindications where Clarityn must not be used:

Absolute Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to loratadine or any excipients
• Pregnancy (all trimesters)
• Breastfeeding
• Children under 6 years old
• Children weighing 30kg or less
• Severe liver impairment without dose adjustment

Special Warnings

Special Population Considerations

Elderly Patients (≥65 years)

• No dose adjustment generally required
• Increased monitoring for side effects recommended
• Consider potential for multiple medication use

Hepatic Impairment

• Mild to moderate impairment: 10mg daily may be appropriate
• Severe impairment: Reduce to 10mg every other day
• Regular liver function monitoring advised

Renal Impairment

• No specific dose adjustment required
• Use with caution in severe renal impairment
• Monitor for increased side effects

Paediatric Population

• Children 6 years and older (>30kg): 10mg once daily
• Children 2-5 years: Not recommended - use paediatric formulations
• Children under 2 years: Safety and efficacy not established

Clarityn and Other Medicines

While Clarityn has few significant drug interactions, consider these points:

Potential Interactions

• Enzyme inhibitors: Medicines that alter liver enzyme performance (like ketoconazole, erythromycin) may increase loratadine levels, though clinical significance is minimal
• Sedatives/alcohol: Although Clarityn is non-drowsy for most, combining with other sedatives may increase drowsiness risk

Important Timing Notes

According to the official Medicines.org.uk PIL:

• No clinically significant interactions with common medications
• Always inform your doctor about all medicines you take, including over-the-counter products
• Special consideration for patients on multiple medications metabolized by the liver

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

• Contraindicated during all stages of pregnancy
• No adequate well-controlled studies in pregnant women
• Animal studies show no direct harmful effects, but human data lacking
• Use effective contraception during treatment if of childbearing potential

Breastfeeding

• Contraindicated during breastfeeding
• Loratadine is excreted in breast milk
• Potential risk to nursing infant cannot be excluded
• Consider alternative antihistamines approved for breastfeeding

Driving & Machine Operation

• Clinical trials assessing driving ability showed no impairment with loratadine
• At recommended doses, Clarityn is not expected to cause drowsiness or reduced alertness
• However, very rarely some individuals may experience drowsiness
• Precautions:
  • Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy
  • Assess your individual response before engaging in hazardous activities
  • Be particularly cautious during initial treatment period

Clarityn Ingredients

Active Substance

• Loratadine 10mg per tablet

Excipients

Allergen Information

• Contains lactose - patients with rare hereditary galactose intolerance should not take
• Free from common allergens like gluten, soy, nuts
• Vegetarian suitable (contains no animal-derived ingredients)

How to Use Clarityn Tablets

Preparation Steps

1. Wash hands thoroughly before handling tablets
2. Remove tablet from blister pack by pushing through foil
3. If swallowing difficulty: tablet can be broken along score line
4. Tablet can be taken with or without food

Administration Technique

• Timing: Take at approximately the same time each day
• With food: Can be taken with or without meals
• Liquid intake: Swallow whole with water or other liquid
• Breaking tablets: Only if prescribed for half dose or swallowing difficulty

Clarityn Dosage Guidelines

Standard Dosage Schedule

Dose Adjustment Criteria

• No titration required - start with full therapeutic dose
• Do not exceed one tablet (10mg) in 24 hours
• For liver impairment: reduce frequency not dose amount
• Treatment duration: Can be used long-term under medical supervision

Administration Instructions

Step-by-step administration guide:

For Adults and Children >30kg

1. Take one tablet (10mg) orally
2. Swallow whole with water or other drink
3. Can be taken at any time of day that suits your schedule
4. Maintain consistent timing for optimal symptom control

For Patients with Swallowing Difficulties

1. Break tablet along the score line using clean, dry hands
2. Take both halves immediately after breaking
3. Do not store broken tablets - use immediately
4. Consider alternative formulations if persistent difficulty

Timing Considerations

• For seasonal allergies: Start before allergy season begins
• For perennial allergies: Take consistently throughout the year
• Best taken in morning if symptoms worse during day
• Can take in evening if symptoms disrupt sleep

Missed Dose Management

General Principles

• Do NOT double doses to make up for forgotten tablet
• Take as soon as remembered if within a few hours
• If close to next dose time, skip missed dose

Time-Based Guidance

Overdose Information

Symptoms

• Headache
• Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
• Drowsiness
• In children: nervousness, irritability

Management

1. Seek immediate medical attention or call 111
2. Bring medication packaging to hospital
3. Symptomatic treatment:
   • Activated charcoal if within 1 hour of ingestion
   • Cardiac monitoring for tachycardia
   • Supportive care for other symptoms
4. No specific antidote available

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, Clarityn can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Headache
• Drowsiness (though less common than with first-generation antihistamines)
• Increased appetite
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• In children: headache, nervousness, tiredness

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Dizziness

Very Rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)

Frequency Not Known

• Weight gain (reported in post-marketing experience)
• Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, itching

How to Store Clarityn

Storage Conditions

• Store in original packaging to protect from moisture
• No special temperature requirements - store at room temperature
• Keep out of sight and reach of children
• Do not use after expiry date printed on blister pack

Expiry Information

• Expiry date refers to last day of month shown
• Do not use if tablets appear discoloured or damaged
• Do not store above 30°C

Disposal

• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste
• Return unused or expired tablets to pharmacy for safe disposal
• These measures help protect the environment

Pack Information

Available Pack Sizes

• 7 tablets (starter pack)
• 10 tablets
• 14 tablets (standard monthly supply)
• 20 tablets
• 30 tablets (extended supply)
• 60 tablets (long-term supply)

Note: Not all pack sizes may be marketed or available through all suppliers.

Tablet Appearance

• White to off-white oval tablets
• Score line on one side for breaking if needed
• Plain on other side
• Approximately 10mm in length

Marketing Authorisation

• Holder: Bayer plc, 400 South Oak Way, Reading RG2 6AD, United Kingdom
• Manufacturer: Bayer Bitterfeld GmbH, OT Greppin, Sakagaster Chaussee 1, 06803 Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany
• Product licence number: PL 0010/0167
• Leaflet last revised: July 2018

Where Can I Buy Clarityn Online in the UK