Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Claritin as follows:
- Claritin use is non-sedating and usually does not result in any confusion, dizziness, and sleep. So, Claritin can be taken during the daytime, without experiencing any noticeable drowsiness. If you experience any bothersome dizziness secondary to Claritin intake, report it to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the dizziness caused by Claritin.
- Claritin intake can slightly elevate the blood pressure and heart rate. The changes are minimal though and rarely can be an issue only in individuals with history of poorly controlled blood pressure and tachycardia. Closely watch for signs and symptoms of hypertension, such as, episodes of severe headache, fatigue, confusion, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and pounding sensation in chest, neck, and ears. Report to your physician regarding these symptoms for necessary changes in the plan of care. Hypertensive individuals must observe compliance with dietary recommendations and medications prescribed for blood pressure control, if any. Observe compliance with log maintenance of everyday blood pressure and heart rate numbers, which can help for an easy follow-up.
