Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Claritin as follows:
General allergic reactions
- Claritin use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching.
- Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response with Claritin, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help for such findings, especially with difficulty breathing, for any appropriate measures to be considered.
Gastrointestinal side-effects
- Claritin use, on empty stomach, can result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea and vomiting. Taking dose of Claritin with a glass of water, after having some food or a snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the medication.
- Claritin can also induce extreme dry mouth and constipation. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with relief from constipation.
