Uses
What is Alavert ® (loratadine) used for?
Alavert ® is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
Alavert ® is used to temporarily relieve the symptoms of hay fever (allergy to pollen, dust, or other substances in the air) and other allergies. These symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, nose, or throat.
Alavert ® is also used to treat itching and redness caused by hives. However, Alavert ® does not prevent hives or other allergic skin reactions.
How should I take Alavert ® (loratadine)?
Alavert ® comes as a syrup (liquid), an immediate acting and extended release tablet, and a rapidly disintegrating (dissolving) tablet to take by mouth.
It is usually taken once a day with or without food.
Take Alavert ® exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than directed on the package label or recommended by your doctor. If you take more Alavert ® than directed, you may experience drowsiness.
How do I store Alavert ® (loratadine)?
Alavert ® is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Alavert ® in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Alavert ® that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.
You should not flush Alavert ® down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before using Alavert ® (loratadine)?
Before using this drug, tell your doctor if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
- You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
- You have allergy with any of active or inactive ingredients of Alavert ® or other medications.
- You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies in women for determining risk when using Alavert ® during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking Alavert®. Alavert ® is pregnancy risk category B, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:
- A=No risk
- B=No risk in some studies
- C=There may be some risk
- D=Positive evidence of risk
- X=Contraindicated
- N=Unknown
Side effects
What side effects can occur from Alavert ® (loratadine)?
Alavert ® may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nosebleed
- Sore throat
- Mouth sores
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Nervousness
- Weakness
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Red or itchy eyes
Some side effects may be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking Alavert ® and call your doctor immediately:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Wheezing
Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions
What drugs may interact with Alavert ® (loratadine)?
Alavert ® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.
Products may interact with this drug, such as:
- Advair Diskus (fluticasone / salmeterol)
- Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin)
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- Crestor (rosuvastatin)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)
- Flonase (fluticasone nasal)
- Lipitor (atorvastatin)
- Lyrica (pregabalin)
- Nexium (esomeprazole)
- Norco (acetaminophen / hydrocodone)
- ProAir HFA (albuterol)
- Singulair (montelukast)
- Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
- Synthroid (levothyroxine)
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
Does food or alcohol interact with Alavert ® (loratadine)?
Alavert ® may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.
What health conditions may interact with Alavert ® (loratadine)?
Alavert ® may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.
These health conditions are:
- Asthma
- Kidney or liver disease
- Phenylketonuria (PKU, an inherited condition in which a special diet must be followed to prevent mental retardation)
Dosage
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using Alavert ® (loratadine).
What is the dose of Alavert ® (loratadine) for an adult?
The recommended dose is 2 teaspoonfuls (TSP) daily; do not take more than 2 teaspoonfuls (TSP) in 24 hours.
Use only with enclosed dosing cup.
What is the dose of Alavert ® (loratadine) for a child?
Children 6 years and over:
The recommended dose is 2 teaspoonfuls (TSP) daily; do not take more than 2 teaspoonfuls (TSP) in 24 hours.
Children 2 to under 6 years of age:
The recommended dose is 1 teaspoonful (TSP) daily; do not take more than 1 teaspoonful (TSP) in 24 hours.
Use only with enclosed dosing cup.
How is Alavert ® (loratadine) available?
Alavert ® is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:
- Syrup
- Tablet
What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?
In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Alavert®, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.
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