Loratadine; Pseudoephedrine tablets

What is this medicine?

LORATADINE; PSEUDOEPHEDRINE (lor AT a deen; soo doe e FED rin) is a combination of an antihistamine and a decongestant. This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies. It reduces congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and itching.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the label. You can take it with or without food. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be used in children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• dizziness

• eye pain

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• high blood pressure

• nervousness

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• restlessness

• seizures

• tremor

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• trouble sleeping

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dry mouth

• headache

• loss of appetite

• nausea

• sore throat

• tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• antihistamines and other medicines for allergy, cough and cold

• ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine

• herbal or dietary supplements containing ephedra or ephedrine

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• bromocriptine

• certain medicines for depression

• cimetidine

• digoxin

• erythromycin

• linezolid

• ketoconazole

• methyldopa

• reserpine

• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

• yohimbine

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture and light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes

• glaucoma

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• problems urinating

• prostate disease

• taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days

• thyroid disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to loratadine, desloratadine, pseudoephedrine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better, if they get worse or if you have a high fever. If you have high blood pressure, check your blood pressure regularly. Ask your health care professional what your blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.