Claritin 10 mg Tablets

Brand name

The trade name of the drug is Claritin. This is the registered name under which the drug is known in the pharmaceutical market and used in clinical practice.

International Nonproprietary Name (INN)

The international nonproprietary name is loratadine. This name indicates the active active ingredient and is used in medical documentation worldwide.

Form of release

Claritin is available in two main forms: 10 mg tablets packed in blisters of 7, 10 or 30 pieces, and syrup with a concentration of 1 mg/mL, supplied in 60 ml or 120 ml bottles with a measuring spoon or syringe for dosing. The tablets are white in color and convenient for adults, while the syrup is designed to meet the needs of children and patients who prefer the liquid form of the medicine.

Composition

Active substance

The main active component of Claritin is loratadine. One tablet contains 10 mg of loratadine, and 1 ml of syrup contains 1 mg of this substance.

Auxiliary ingredients

The tablets consist of additional ingredients such as lactose monohydrate, corn starch, magnesium stearate, which provide stability and shape of the drug. The syrup includes glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, citric acid, sodium benzoate (as a preservative), and fruit flavoring to enhance the taste.

Pharmacologic Properties

Pharmacodynamics

Loratadine, which is part of Claritin, is a selective antagonist of H1-histamine receptors of peripheral type. Its action is aimed at blocking histamine - the key mediator of allergic reactions, which causes such symptoms as swelling of mucous membranes, mucus hypersecretion and inflammatory processes in tissues. The drug effectively prevents the development of these manifestations by reducing capillary permeability and reducing the release of pro-inflammatory substances such as interleukins and leukotrienes. Unlike first-generation antihistamines, loratadine has a low ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, which virtually eliminates sedation and makes it safe for use during the day. The therapeutic effect begins 30-60 minutes after administration and lasts up to 24 hours, which allows to use the drug once a day.

Loratadine's mechanism of action also includes stabilization of mast cell membranes, which reduces the release of histamine and other allergy mediators. This is especially important in chronic conditions such as urticaria, where long-term suppression of the allergic reaction improves the patient's quality of life. Claritin does not affect H2-receptors involved in gastric juice secretion and has no anticholinergic properties, which minimizes side effects on other body systems.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Loratadine is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Maximum concentration in blood plasma is reached in 1-1.5 hours for tablets and in 1.5-2 hours for syrup. Bioavailability of the drug varies from 70 to 100%, depending on the individual characteristics of the patient, but food intake may slightly slow the rate of absorption, without affecting the overall efficacy.

Distribution

Loratadine binds actively to plasma proteins, predominantly albumin, by 97-99%. The volume of distribution is about 119 liters, indicating good penetration into peripheral tissues, but limited entry into the central nervous system. This property ensures the absence of a pronounced sedative effect even with prolonged use.

Metabolism

Loratadine undergoes extensive metabolism in the liver with the participation of cytochrome P450 enzymes, predominantly CYP3A4 and to a lesser extent CYP2D6. The main metabolite - desloratadine - has intrinsic antihistaminic activity and significantly enhances the therapeutic effect of the drug. The process of metabolism occurs in two stages: first an intermediate product is formed, which is then converted into desloratadine, providing prolonged action of Claritin.

Excretion

The half-life of loratadine is 8-12 hours, and its active metabolite - up to 17-24 hours, which explains the duration of action of the drug. Loratadine is excreted through the kidneys (about 40%) and intestine (about 42%) in the form of metabolites. Less than 1% of the substance is excreted unchanged through the urine, which indicates almost complete metabolism in the body.

Indications for Use

Claritin is prescribed for the symptomatic treatment of the following conditions:

• Seasonal allergic rhinitis (pollinosis) caused by pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds;
• Year-round allergic rhinitis caused by exposure to dust, mold, animal hair, or other household allergens;
• Chronic idiopathic urticaria with manifestations of itching, redness and skin rashes;
• Allergic reactions accompanied by sneezing, nasal congestion, lacrimation and itching of the eyes or throat.

The drug is effective both for acute relief of symptoms and for prophylactic use in periods of high risk of allergic exacerbations, such as spring flowering of plants.

Contraindications

The use of Claritin is prohibited in the following cases:

• Hypersensitivity to loratadine or any of the excipients;
• Severe hepatic insufficiency (due to slow metabolism);
• Children under 2 years of age (for syrup) or under 3 years of age (for tablets);
• Hereditary lactose intolerance or lactase deficiency (for tablets);
• Pregnancy and lactation (due to insufficient safety data).

With caution, the drug is prescribed to patients with renal failure or chronic liver disease, requiring individualized dosage adjustment.

Method of Administration and Dosage

How to take

Claritin tablets are taken orally, drinking a small amount of water (50-100 ml). Food intake does not affect absorption, so the drug can be taken at any time of day, preferably at the same time to maintain a stable concentration. The syrup is measured with a measuring spoon or syringe, shaking the bottle before use, and is taken orally, also independently of food.

Dosages for adults and children

Adults and children over 12 years of age

The standard dose is 10 mg (1 tablet or 10 mL of syrup) once daily.

Children 2 to 12 years of age with a body weight greater than 30 kg

Recommended dose is 10 mg (10 mL syrup or 1 tablet) once daily.

Children 2 to 12 years of age with body weight less than 30 kg

The dosage is 5 mg (5 ml syrup) once daily.

Dose adjustment for certain conditions

In renal failure (creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/min), the initial dose is reduced to 10 mg every other day. In severe hepatic insufficiency it is recommended to start with 5 mg daily or 10 mg every 48 hours under medical supervision.

Side Effects

Claritin is usually well tolerated, but the following adverse reactions may occur:

• Nervous system: headache, fatigue, in rare cases - drowsiness or nervousness;
• Gastrointestinal tract: dry mouth, nausea, minor abdominal pain;
• Cardiovascular system: palpitations (extremely rare);
• Allergic manifestations: skin rash, itching, in exceptional cases - anaphylaxis;
• Other: increased appetite, temporary change in the level of liver enzymes.

The majority of side effects are mild and temporary, disappearing without the need to cancel the drug.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose

Claritin overdose is possible with doses exceeding 40-50 mg. Symptoms include drowsiness, headache, tachycardia, dry mouth and, in severe cases, confusion.

First aid measures

If an overdose is suspected, discontinue the drug immediately and seek medical attention. Until the arrival of a doctor, the stomach can be washed (if it has been less than 1-2 hours) and activated charcoal can be given to reduce absorption.

Drug Interactions

Effects on the effects of other drugs

Loratadine interacts slightly with other medicines. Co-administration with CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) may increase the concentration of loratadine in the blood, but this does not require dose adjustment.

Compatibility with alcohol and food

Alcohol does not increase the effects of Claritin, making it safe for use in everyday life. Food may slightly slow absorption, but does not affect the overall therapeutic effect.

Special Precautions

Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding

The safety of Claritin in pregnancy has not been established, so its use is only under strict necessity if the benefit outweighs the risk. Loratadine penetrates into breast milk, and breastfeeding should be discontinued for the period of treatment.

Effects on driving and driving mechanisms

Claritin rarely causes drowsiness, but patients are advised to assess individual reaction before driving or operating machinery.

Particulars of use in the elderly and children

In elderly patients, metabolism may be slowed down, which requires dosage control. For children the drug is safe if age and weight norms are observed.