Claritin Warnings and Precautions

It is safe for many people to take Claritin. Warnings and precautions for the drug should be reviewed, however, to ensure a safe treatment process. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have kidney or liver disease, as you may need a lower dose. Claritin warnings and precautions also extend to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

 

Claritin: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Claritin® (loratadine) if you have:
 
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Liver disease, including liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Specific Claritin Warnings and Precautions

Warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking Claritin include the following:
 
  • If you have liver or kidney disease, your body may not handle Claritin as well as it should. Check with your healthcare provider before taking Claritin, as you may need a lower dosage.
     
  • Claritin can potentially interact with a few other medications (see Claritin Interactions).
     
  • Claritin is considered a pregnancy Category B medication. This means that it is probably safe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are not currently known (see Claritin and Pregnancy).
     
  • Claritin passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Claritin and Breastfeeding).
     
(Claritin Warnings and Precautions Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;