The chemical structure of loratadine, the active ingredient in Claritin, is:\ce{C22H23ClN2O2}Loratadine is a piperidine derivative with a chlorophenyl group and an ethyl ester group. Its IUPAC name is 4-(8-chloro-5,6-dihydro-11H-benzo[5,6]cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyridin-11-ylidene)-1-piperidinecarboxylic acid ethyl ester.                                                                                                                                                     

Key Precautions for Claritin Allergy + Sinus 20’ct Tablets

Based on the provided search results, here are the key precautions to be aware of when taking Claritin Allergy + Sinus 20’ct tablets:

• Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Claritin or any of its ingredients 
• Do not divide, crush, chew or dissolve the tablet – it should be swallowed whole with water 
• Do not exceed the recommended dosage of 1 tablet every 12 hours, with no more than 2 tablets in 24 hours 
• Ask a doctor before use if you have liver or kidney disease 
• Ask a doctor before use if you are under 12 years of age 
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a health professional before using Claritin 

Dietary Restrictions with Claritin

• Claritin can be taken with or without food. There are no specific dietary restrictions when taking Claritin.
• The Claritin product label states that users should “Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.”
• Some liquid or chewable formulations of Claritin may contain sugar or aspartame. Caution is advised for those with conditions like diabetes or phenylketonuria (PKU) when using these specific product forms.
• However, the standard Claritin tablets and capsules do not have any special dietary requirements or restrictions. They can be taken at any time, with or without food.

Claritin Drug Interactions

• Claritin (loratadine) has over 105 known drug interactions, including both moderate and minor interactions.
• Some of the most common medications that can interact with Claritin include:
  • Antibiotics like erythromycin and clarithromycin
  • Antifungal drugs like ketoconazole
  • Heartburn medications like cimetidine
  • Other antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Claritin should not be used with medications containing the antihistamine desloratadine, as they are very similar and could lead to increased side effects.
• Claritin may interfere with certain medical lab tests, so patients should inform their healthcare providers they are taking Claritin.
• There are no significant interactions between Claritin and medications like ibuprofen, Flonase (fluticasone), or pseudoephedrine.
• Patients should provide their full medication list to their doctor or pharmacist to check for any potential Claritin interactions before starting treatment.

Dosage

• The recommended dosage for adults and children 6 years and over is 1 tablet (10 mg of loratadine) per day, not to exceed 1 tablet in 24 hours.
• Claritin should be swallowed whole with water and not divided, crushed, chewed or dissolved.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before using Claritin.
• Patients with liver or kidney disease should also ask a doctor before taking Claritin.

Storage

• Claritin tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 20-25°C (68-77°F).
• Keep the container tightly closed and protect from moisture.
• Do not store in the bathroom.
• Keep out of reach of children.

User Reviews

• Claritin has a mixed review profile, with an average rating of 3.6/10 from 47 reviews on Drugs.com.
• 22% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 70% reported a negative experience.
• Common complaints include side effects like dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, and heart palpitations.
• However, many users also report Claritin effectively relieving their allergy symptoms like nasal congestion, itchy/watery eyes, and sneezing.