Almost half of the world's population suffers from allergies. Doctors explain its occurrence as a protective reaction of the body to foreign substances that surround a person everywhere. Unfortunately, the nature of allergy has not been fully understood until today. But, despite this, medical specialists have developed many antihistamines that can block unpleasant manifestations. One of them is the effective medicine Claritin. However, it is used not only for treatment. The instruction positions Claritin as an excellent prophylactic (as well as its analogue).
Composition of the drug
The active substance of the drug is loratadine. Based on this, we can bring its most important analogue. Claritin is the same Loratadin.
- The drug, produced in tablets, contains 10 mg of the active ingredient.
- Syrup - 1 mg in each milliliterloratadine.
Indications for use
The drug "Claritin" is a medicine related to anti-exudative, antihistamines. Its effect is based on the ability to block histamine H1 receptors. This action gives the drug excellent antipruritic, antiallergic, decongestant properties.
The big plus of the drug is that it does not affect the functioning of the nervous system. This remedy does not depress her.
The medicine "Claritin" indications for use has the following:
- burning and itching in the nasal cavity, eyes;
- conjunctivitis of various origins;
- rhinitis, rhinorrhea, sinusitis of allergic origin;
- puffiness of tissues;
- food allergy;
- urticaria;
- drug allergy;
- skin diseases – psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatosis;
- bronchial spasms;
- Quincke's edema;
- allergic reaction to insects.
Issue Forms
Claritin Allergy Remedy is available in two forms.
Pills have an oval shape. One side of the pill contains a risk mark and the number "10". The brand name "Cup and flask" is also located here. The other side is smooth. White tablet.
Syrup is a sweet thick liquid. It is transparent, without the inclusion of solid particles. The color of the syrup is slightly yellowish. The liquid is produced in dark glass bottles. The manufacturer produces the product in containers from 60up to 120 ml.
Medication dosage
It is recommended that you consult your doctor before using Claritin. The use of this drug, according to the instructions, is as follows:
- Children over 12 years of age and adults should take 1 tablet (10 mg) or 2 teaspoons of syrup (10 ml) once a day.
- Patients who are diagnosed with kidney failure or impaired liver function should take the medicine at the above dosages, but every other day.
- Kids 2-12 years old weighing less than 30 kg use 0.5 tablets (5 mg) or 1 teaspoon (5 ml) daily.
- Children 2-12 years old, weighing more than 30 kg, take 1 tablet or 2 teaspoons of syrup once a day.
Side effects
Sometimes, while taking Claritin, both children and adults may experience unpleasant reactions. It should be noted that side effects are rare.
The instruction gives the following list of possible reactions of the body:
- Digestive system. Dryness in the mouth, gastritis, nausea may occur. Liver dysfunction is extremely rare.
- CNS. Adults may experience increased fatigue, headache, drowsiness. Children who use the drug rarely experience nervousness, headache, sedation.
- Allergic manifestations. A skin rash may occur. Very rarely, an anaphylactic reaction develops.
- Dermatological manifestations. Very rarely there werecases of alopecia in adults.
Contraindications for taking
The drug is prohibited for use by patients with the following factors:
- sensitivity of the body to loratadine or to its constituents;
- breastfeeding;
- baby age up to 2 years.
Extremely careful use of the medicine during pregnancy. The drug can be used only when absolutely necessary, under the supervision of a physician.
Special Instructions
It is highly not recommended to use the medicine during lactation. Substance loratadine very easily gets into milk. Here it reaches approximately the same concentration as in the blood plasma. Therefore, if it became necessary to use the drug "Claritin", feeding the baby for this period should be abandoned.
The tool is widely in demand in pediatrics. For crumbs from two years old, it is allowed to use only syrup. Toddlers over the age of three are allowed to use the tablet form.
Alcohol does not affect the effect of the drug. However, it can cause side effects. In this regard, it is recommended to refrain from drinking alcohol during treatment.
Can drivers use this remedy? Unlike first-generation drugs (such as Diazolin, Dimedrol, Tavegil), Claritin does not cause a pronounced slowdown in the reaction and drowsiness in patients. Therefore, the medicine is not contraindicated for use by drivers. Howevershould be extremely careful. Since the above drug still has such an adverse reaction as drowsiness.
Claritin or Loratadine?
Both drugs are antihistamines. At the same time, they are used not only as anti-allergic drugs. These drugs perfectly eliminate inflammatory reactions. Therefore, they are often prescribed in complex therapy to eliminate the ongoing process. The drugs are in demand even for colds.
It is extremely difficult to compare this medicine and its analogue. "Claritin" and "Loratadin" are practically the same drug, which is produced under different names. It was said above that the active substance in these medicines is the same.
The only difference is that Claritin is produced by the Belgian subsidiaries of Sharing Plow. Loratadin is produced by domestic pharmaceutical companies.
In this regard, both drugs, despite the same active ingredient, differ significantly in price. In addition, the cost is also affected by multiple advertising of the Claritin drug. The price of one package (10 tablets) averages 230 rubles.
Loratadine, on the other hand, is a lesser known drug for consumers. The cost of 1 pack of 10 tablets will cost the patient 53 rubles.
Analogues of the drug
In some cases, it is not possible to purchase the original medicine prescribed by the doctor. There is a need to find a replacement for such a drug. Whereinthe medicine should have almost the same composition as the original. Have the same active substances. And similarly to the prescribed medicine to affect the body. In other words, you should find an analogue.
Claritin is a drug that has many similar drugs. However, when choosing its substitute from a large number of histamine blockers that are presented on the pharmacological market, pay attention to the contraindications and effectiveness of the drug. After all, each of the drugs in different patients can affect the body in its own way. Therefore, when choosing a replacement, it is recommended to consult a doctor in your choice.
Today the most famous and effective analogues are:
- "Loratadine Verte". Pretty cheap domestic product. The price for one package of 10 tablets varies from 20 to 30 rubles.
- "Clarotadine". Another domestic drug. Available as tablets and syrup.
- "Loratadine". An excellent drug, the cost of which (package - 30 pieces) is 40 rubles.
- Zyrtec. A more expensive analogue manufactured by Switzerland and Belgium. It enters the pharmacological market in two dosage forms: in tablets (180 rubles) and drops (240 rubles).
In addition to the above drugs, analogues are no less effective:
- Claridol;
- Claricens;
- Klargotil;
- Clarifarm;
- Clarfast;
- Clallirgen;
- Vero-Loratadine;
- "Alerpriv";
- Lomilan;
- Erolyn.
As you can see, there are a lot of drugs that are analogues of Claritin. What is better to choose from such a variety? The answer to the question lies in the individual characteristics of the body. Therefore, choose a replacement medicine only with your doctor.
Medicine cost
Preparation "Claritin" is easily purchased in almost all pharmacies. It is released without a prescription. Therefore, patients have no difficulty in acquiring it.
Today in pharmacies the following cost of the original drug:
- Tablet form of the medicine "Claritin", price - 210-230 rubles for 1 pack of 10 pills.
- Syrup (120 ml), price - 360-380 rubles.
- A bottle containing 60 ml, the price is 250-270 rubles.
Doctors' opinion
Analyzing the reviews of doctors about Claritin, we can conclude: this medicine is the most favorite remedy in the fight against allergies. A fair question arises - why? Doctors explain their preference quite simply.
Anti-allergic agent "Claritin" is a medicine of a new generation. It has a number of advantages in comparison with Suprastin, Tavegil. The drugs of the previous generation, despite their effectiveness, caused many unpleasant side effects. The drug "Claritin" on histamine receptors acts selectively. Thanks to this, many unpleasant reactions from the digestive and nervous system can be avoided.
In addition, Claritin is nothas a sedative effect. In other words, it does not cause lethargy or drowsiness. This allows you to use the medicine even for those patients whose activities are associated with increased concentration.
Means "Claritin" acts sparingly on the mucous membranes. As a result, they do not dry out, which often underlies the development of infectious pathologies.
Patient testimonials
The opinions of patients about the drug "Claritin" are quite different. Reviews of some people confirm the high effectiveness of the tool. Such patients note that the medicine eliminates allergic symptoms almost immediately. A big plus is the ease of use of this tool. It is enough to take a pill once a day, and a favorable effect is provided. The only drawback of the drug is the high price.
Other patients candidly report that the medication has not been able to help them cope with their allergies. At the same time, the presence of a headache or drowsiness is noted.
The conclusion suggests itself as follows. The medicine "Claritin" is a fairly effective remedy, which, due to individual characteristics, may not be suitable for the patient.
