CLARATYNE® (Pharmacy Medicine)

Loratidine 10mg - 30 TABLETS PER PACK

Please read this web page carefully before using CLARATYNE.

This page answers some common questions about CLARATYNE.

This page does not replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist, nor does it contain all the available information about this medicine.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Sometimes new risks are found even when a medicine has been used for many years.

If you have any concerns about using this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

CLARATYNE is a non-drowsy antihistamine for fast allergy relief. CLARATYNE are used for relief of symptoms associated with perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis (hayfever), such as sneezing, nasal discharge and itching, as well as itching and burning of the eyes. CLARATYNE are also used for the relief of symptoms and signs of chronic urticaria (hives) and other allergic skin disorders.

Dosage:

Adults and Children over 12 years: Take ONE tablet ONCE daily.

Children aged 2 – 12 years over 30kg (66 lb): Take ONE tablet ONCE daily.

Children aged 2 – 12 years under 30kg (66lb): Take HALF-a-tablet ONCE daily.

Do NOT use CLARATYNE in children less than 2 years old.

What is CLARATYNE used for?

CLARATYNE belongs to a class of medicines known as antihistamines. Antihistamines help reduce allergic symptoms by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body.

CLARATYNE relieves symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis (hay fever), such as sneezing, runny or itchy nose, and burning or itchy eyes. CLARATYNE may also be used to relieve symptoms associated with a skin condition called urticaria; these symptoms include itching, redness and lumps on the skin called hives.

Your doctor or pharmacist, however, may prescribe CLARATYNE for another purpose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about why CLARATYNE has been prescribed for you.

There is no evidence that CLARATYNE is addictive.

Before you take CLARATYNE:

When you must not use it:

Do not take CLARATYNE if you are allergic to Loratidine or any of the tablet ingredients listed at the end of this web page.

If you think you are having an allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction to CLARATYNE, TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY or go to the emergency department at your nearest hospital.

Symptoms usually include some or all of the following:

• wheezing

• swelling of the lips/mouth

• difficulty in breathing

• hay fever

• lumpy rash ("hives")

• itchiness

• fainting

Warnings and Precautions:　

• Do not use CLARATYNE if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless you and your doctor or pharmacists have discussed the risks and benefits involved.

• Do not use CLARATYNE in children less than 2 years old.

• Do not use CLARATYNE if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

• Do not use CLARATYNE after the expiry date printed on the pack.

You must tell your doctor or pharmacist if:

• You are allergic to any other medicines, especially other antihistamines, or any foods, dyes or preservatives.

• You have liver disease or any other medical conditions.

Use with other medicines:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications, including medicines that you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Ability to drive or operate machinery:

Make sure you know how you react to CLARATYNE before you drive a car or operate machinery. CLARATYNE is unlikely to make you drowsy. If you are drowsy, do not drive a car or work with machinery.

If you forget to take it:

If you miss a dose and remember in less than 12 hours, take it straight away then continue as normal. Otherwise, skip that day's dose but be sure to take the next dose when it is due. Do not try to make up for missed doses by taking more than one dose at a time.

While you are using CLARATYNE:

Things to be careful of:

Tell all doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking CLARATYNE.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you become pregnant while you are taking CLARATYNE.

Do not give CLARATYNE to anyone else, even if his or her symptoms seem similar to yours.

Do not use it to treat any other complaints unless your doctor or pharmacist says so.

Stop taking CLARATYNE 48 hours before you have any skin tests as antihistamines may interfere with the results of skin tests.

Side effects:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using CLARATYNE.

CLARATYNE helps most people with allergies, but like other medicines it may have unwanted effects in a few people. If they occur, they are most likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and require medical attention.

In very rare instances, tiredness, headache, upset stomach or rash have been reported.

Other unwanted effects may also occur in some people taking CLARATYNE.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any of these undesired effects or any other undesired effects.

If you take too much (overdose):

Immediately telephone your doctor, pharmacist or in New Zealand call the National Poisons Information Centre (Telephone: 03 474 7000) for advice, or go to the emergency department at your nearest hospital, if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much CLARATYNE. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention. Keep telephone numbers for these places handy.

Storage Conditions:

• Keep CLARATYNE where young children cannot reach it.

• Store below 25°C (77°F)

• Do not leave it in the car on hot days.

• Keep your tablets in the blister pack until it is time to take them. If you take your tablets out of the blister pack they will not keep well.

• Do not take your CLARATYNE tablets after the expiry date on the package.

Product Description:

CLARATYNE tablets can be bought without a doctor’s prescription. CLARATYNE tablets are small white tablets.

Each tablet contains: Loratidine 10mg, Maize starch, Magnesium stearate, lactose.

Where to go for further information:

Should you have any questions regarding this product, please contact your doctor or pharmacist.

You can order online now

Distributed in New Zealand by:
Schering-Plough Pty Limited
33 Whakatiki Street
Upper Hutt
Wellington
New Zealand.