Alavert

Generic name: Loratadine
Drug class: Antihistamines

Usage of Alavert

Alavert is an antihistamine that is used to treat symptoms of hay fever or other allergies, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching in your nose or throat.

Alavert may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Alavert side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects of Alavert may include:

headache; or

feeling tired or drowsy.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Alavert

You should not use Alavert if you are allergic to Alavert.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

kidney disease; or

liver disease.

The disintegrating tablet may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice.

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How to use Alavert

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or allergy medicine is only for short-term use.

Alavert is usually taken once per day.

Swallow the regular tablet whole.

Allow the orally disintegrating tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied syringe or a dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

A child's dose is based on age and some forms of loratadine are not for use in children younger than 6 years old. Carefully follow the dosing instructions provided with this medicine.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What other drugs will affect Alavert

Other drugs may affect Alavert, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Popular FAQ

Loratadine does not usually cause drowsiness and is considered a non-sedating antihistamine. However, some people may get sleepy so use caution before driving, operating machinery or performing other hazardous tasks until you know how loratadine affects you.

Loratadine (brand example: Claritin), an over-the-counter (OTC) non-sedating antihistamine, does not usually increase blood pressure when used alone as a single ingredient. Some OTC combination products do contain loratadine plus the decongestant pseudoephedrine (brand example: Claritin-D), which can raise your blood pressure. In the US, Claritin-D and the generic are normally kept behind the pharmacy counter. If you have high blood pressure, are being treated for high blood pressure, or have concerns about your blood pressure, ask your doctor before you use pseudoephedrine in any form.

Loratadine fully works within one hour after you take it and its effect should last for 24 hours. Your symptoms should start to improve in about 20 minutes. You only have to take loratadine once a day. Loratadine is an effective over-the-counter, non-sedating antihistamine used to treat sneezing, runny nose or watery eyes due to a cold or allergy, skin hives and itching.

Yes, you can give loratadine to dogs, it is usually well tolerated and is unlikely to produce side effects such as drowsiness that tend to happen with some of the older antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (also known as Benadryl). The human form of loratadine is the same as the form administered to dogs and it can be purchased at any drug store or grocery store. Continue reading

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