Classes
DEA Class; OTC
Common Brand Names; Alavert Allergy & Sinus D, Claritin D, ChlorTripolon, Alavert D-12, Claritin D-24 Hour
- Antihistamine/Decongestant Combos
Description
Oral non-sedating antihistamine and sympathomimetic decongestant combination
Used for temporary relief of sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion and itchy, watery eyes and itchy throat throat due to the common cold or due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies
Indications
Indicated for the temporary relief of symptoms due to seasonal allergic rhinitis or the common cold, including sneezing, rhinorrhea, itching of the nose or throat, nasal congestion, and itchy, watery eyes.
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity to drugs or excipients
Severe hypertension or coronary disease
Concurrent or within 14 days of MAO inhibitor use
Adverse Effects
- Headache (12%)
- Somnolence (8%)
- Drowsiness (8%)
- Nervousness (4%)
- Fatigue (3-4%)
- Dry mouth (3%)
- Hyperkinesia (3%)
- Conjunctivitis (2%)
- Dysphonia (2%)
- Malaise (2%)
- URTI (2%)
- Abdominal pain (2%)
Warnings
Caution in hepatic and renal impairment
Use caution in mild to moderate hypertension, cardiac disease, hyperthyroidism, hyperglycemia, BPH, DM, renal impairment, seizure disorder, thyroid dysfunction, glaucoma, lactation
Elderly patients are at increased risk for side effects including comorbidities related to anticholinergic effects; maybe potentially inappropriate in this population (Beers criteria)
Effects of ethanol and other sedative drugs may be potentiated when used concurrently
Some products may contain phenylalanine
When used for self-medication, see health-care provider if symptoms do not improve within 7 days or are accompanied by fever
Many combo formulations are switching to phenylephrine due to restrictions arising from easy conversion to methamphetamine (the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 bans OTC sales of cold medicines that contain ingredients, such as pseudoephedrine, commonly used to make methamphetamine)
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy Category: B
Lactation: both drugs pass into breast milk, pseuoephedrine is concentrated in breast milk; use caution
Maximum Dosage
10 mg/day PO loratadine; 240 mg/day PO pseudoephedrine.
10 mg/day PO loratadine; 240 mg/day PO pseudoephedrine.
10 mg/day PO loratadine; 240 mg/day PO pseudoephedrine.
12 years: 10 mg/day PO loratadine; 240 mg/day PO pseudoephedrine.
Less than 12 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
How supplied
Pseudoephedrine/loratadine
tablet, extended release
- 5mg/120mg
- 10mg/240mg
