How Claritin Works

• When the body contacts certain substances, it produces histamines. Histamines cause typical allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny or stuff nose, scratchy throat and itchy, watery eyes. Substances that trigger the production of histamines include pollen, dust, mold and pet dander. Claritin uses the antihistamine loratadine to block histamines and relieve the symptoms. Unlike many other non-prescription antihistamines, loratadine does not cause drowsiness.
  
  

Safety and Effectiveness

• Clinical studies conducted by the FDA have demonstrated this product is safe and effective for children between the ages of two and 12. The side effects found in children were similar to those found in adults.
  
  

Side Effects in 6- to 12-year-olds

• Fatigue, nervousness, hyperactivity and wheezing occurred in three percent of children tested in this age group. One percent of children experienced stomachaches, hoarseness, eye infections and upper respiratory tract infections.
  
  

Side Effects in 2- to 5-year-olds

• Diarrhea, sore throats, earaches, nosebleeds, fatigue, mouth inflammations and rashes occurred in three percent of children in this age group.
  
  

Least Common Side Effects

• Some children also experienced back pain, chest pain, fever, dizziness, migraines and heart palpitations. These side effects occurred in less than two percent of children tested.
  
  

Dosage

• The recommended dose for children six years of age and older is 10 mg once a day. This dosage is equivalent to one tablet or two teaspoons of Claritin Flavored Syrup. Children two to five years of age should take one teaspoon of syrup daily.
  
  

Considerations

• This product fights allergies best if administered first thing in the morning. Antihistamines are most effective when the stomach is empty. There is no indication that this product leads to abuse or causes dependency.
  
  Warnings
  The FDA has not tested this product's safety and effectiveness for children younger than 2 years old.
  Children with impaired livers or renal insufficiency should decrease the dosage by taking the recommended amount (five mg for two to five year-olds and 10 mg for six to 12-year-olds) one time every other day. Any child who is allergic to loratadine should not take this product.