Allergies Common Treatments Uses and Side Effects of Claritin By Kristina Duda, RN Kristina Duda, RN Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Kristina Duda, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since 2002. She specializes in pediatrics and disease and infection prevention. Learn about our editorial process Updated on February 15, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Farah Khan, MD Medically reviewed by Farah Khan, MD LinkedIn Farah Khan, MD, is a board-certified allergist/immunologist who treats pediatric and adult patients in private practice in Northern Virginia. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Claritin is an over-the-counter medication used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies. Claritin is the brand name for the drug loratadine. It is available for adults and children over 2 years old. Catlane / Getty Images Active Ingredient Loratadine Dosage and Directions Adults and children ages 6 and older: One (10mg) tablet every 24 hoursOne (10mg) Reditab every 24 hours Children ages 2 to 6 years old: One (5mg) teaspoon every 24 hoursOne (5mg) chewable tablet every 24 hours Children under 2 years old: Ask a doctor Purpose Claritin is used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies, hay fever, and hives which include: Runny nose Sneezing Itchy eyes, nose or throat Itchy rash (hives) Side Effects of Claritin Possible side effects of Claritin include: Headache Dry Mouth Nosebleed Sore throat or sores in the mouth Difficulty sleeping at night or falling asleep Nervousness Weakness Stomach pains or diarrhea Red, itchy eyes It is not effective when dealing with colds, the flu or other respiratory infections. Although people may want to take it to help with a runny nose or other irritation caused by these illnesses, it will not help since these symptoms are caused by the virus and not an allergen. Allergy medications don't help with cold symptoms. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, contact your healthcare provider. Certain side effects can be very serious. If you have any of the following after taking Claritin or loratadine, seek medical advice immediately. Rash or hives Itching Swelling of the eyes, lips, tongue, face, throat, arms, legs, feet, ankles or hands Warnings If you are using Claritin to treat hives, contact your healthcare provider if they do not improve within 3 days or if they last for more than 6 weeks.Do not use Claritin to treat hives that do not itch, are bruised or blistered or that are an unusual color.If you have hives and experience difficulty breathing, significant swelling of the tongue or lips, wheezing, difficulty speaking or swallowing, dizziness, drooling, vomiting or loss of consciousness — seek emergency medical attention immediately. These are signs of a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Ask a Doctor Before Using Claritin If You are allergic to loratadine, or any other medications. You have ever had asthma, kidney, or liver disease. You are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. You have phenylketonuria (PKU) - some rapidly dissolving tablets contain aspartame, which could be dangerous if you have this condition. Claritin is a great option if you are dealing with seasonal or environmental allergies. Although it does not help with cold symptoms, it can be quite effective if you have allergy symptoms. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 0 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. "Claritin Allergy Products." Schering-Plough Healthcare Products, Inc. 2009. 17 April 09. "Loratadine." MedlinePlus Drug Information 01 Sep 08. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 17 April 09.