Almost half of the world's inhabitants suffer from allergies. Doctors explain its occurrence as a protective reaction of the body to foreign substances that surround a person everywhere. Unfortunately, to date, the nature of allergies is not fully understood. But, despite this, medical specialists have developed many antihistamines that can block unpleasant manifestations. One of them is the effective medicine “Claritin”. At the same time, it is used not only for treatment. The instruction positions Claritin as an excellent prophylactic (as well as its analogue).
The composition of the drug
The active substance of the drug is loratadine. Based on this, we can cite its most important analogue. Claritin is the same Loratadin.
- The medicine produced in tablets contains 10 mg of the active substance.
- Syrup - in each milliliter 1 mg of loratadine.
Indications for use
The drug "Claritin" is a medicine related to antiexudative, antihistamines. Its effect is based on the ability to block histamine H1 receptors. This action gives the drug excellent antipruritic, anti-allergic, decongestant properties.
The big plus of the drug is that it does not affect the functioning of the nervous system. This tool does not inhibit it.
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 an allergic origin;
- swelling of the tissues;
- food allergy;
- hives;
- drug allergy;
- skin diseases - psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatosis;
- bronchial cramps;
- Quincke's edema;
- allergic reaction to insects.
Release Forms
Means "Claritin" from allergies are available in two forms.
The tablets are oval. One side of the pill contains the risk and the number "10". Here is the brand name “Cup and flask”. The other side is smooth. The tablet is white.
Syrup is a sweet, thick liquid. It is transparent without particulate matter. The color of the syrup is somewhat yellowish. Liquid is issued in bottles from dark glass. The manufacturer produces the product in containers from 60 to 120 ml.
Dosage of medication
It is recommended to consult a 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 diagnosed with renal failure or impaired liver function should take the medicine in the above dosages, but every other day.
- Babies 2-12 years old with a body weight of less than 30 kg are consumed daily with 0.5 tablets (5 mg) or 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
- Children 2-12 years old, whose weight exceeds 30 kg, take 1 tablet once a day or 2 teaspoons of syrup.
Side effects
Sometimes, while taking Claritin medicine, unpleasant reactions can be observed in both children and adults. It should be noted that side effects are quite rare.
The instruction provides the following list of possible reactions of the body:
- Digestive system. Dry mouth, gastritis, and nausea may occur. Very rarely observed impaired liver function.
- CNS Adults may experience increased fatigue, headache, and drowsiness. Children using the drug rarely encounter nervousness, headache, sedation.
- Allergic manifestations. Skin rash may occur. Anaphylactic reaction is very rare .
- Dermatological manifestations. Very rarely there were cases of adult alopecia.
Contraindications
The medicine is prohibited for use by patients with the following factors:
- the sensitivity of the body to loratadine or to constituent agents;
- breast-feeding;
- baby age up to 2 years.
Extreme care should be taken during pregnancy. The drug can only be used if absolutely necessary, under the supervision of a doctor.
special instructions
It is highly not recommended to use the medicine during lactation. The substance loratadine penetrates into milk very easily. Here it reaches about the same concentration as in blood plasma. Therefore, if there is a need to use the drug "Claritin", from feeding the baby for this period should be abandoned.
The tool is widely in demand in pediatrics. For crumbs from two years, it is allowed to use exclusively syrup. Babies who have reached the age of three are allowed to use a tablet form.
Alcohol does not affect the effect of the drug. However, it can provoke the appearance of side effects. In this regard, it is recommended to refrain from drinking alcohol during treatment.
Can drivers use this product? Unlike first-generation drugs (such as Diazolin, Diphenhydramine, Tavegil), Claritin does not cause a pronounced slowdown in reaction and drowsiness in patients. Therefore, the medicine is not contraindicated for use by drivers. However, you should be extremely careful. Since the aforementioned 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 antiallergic drugs. These drugs perfectly eliminate inflammatory reactions. Therefore, they are often prescribed in complex therapy to eliminate the ongoing process. Drugs are in demand even with colds.
It is extremely difficult to compare this medicine and its analogue. “Claritin” and “Loratadin” are almost the same drug, which is available under different names. It was stated above that the active substance in these drugs is the same.
The only difference is that Claritin is produced by the Belgian affiliates of Sharing plow. Means "Loratadin" is produced by domestic pharmaceutical companies.
In this regard, both drugs, despite one active substance, vary significantly in price. In addition, the cost is affected by multiple advertising of the Claritin drug. The price of one package (10 tablets) averages 230 rubles.
The drug "Loratadine", on the contrary, is a lesser-known remedy for consumers. The cost of 1 package 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 your doctor. There is a need to choose a replacement for such a drug. In this case, the medicine should have almost the same composition as the original. Have the same active substances. And similarly to the prescribed medicine, affect the body. In other words, an analogue should be found.
Claritin is a drug that has many similar drugs. However, choosing its substitute from a large number of histamine blockers that are presented on the pharmacological market, pay attention to contraindications and the effectiveness of the medication. After all, each of the drugs in different patients can affect the body in its own way. Therefore, choosing a replacement, it is recommended to consult your doctor with your choice.
Today, the most famous and effective analogues are:
- "Loratadin Werth." Fairly cheap domestic product. The price for one pack of 10 tablets varies from 20 to 30 rubles.
- "Clarotadine." Another domestic drug. Available in the form of tablets and syrup.
- "Loratadine." An excellent drug, the cost of which (packaging - 30 pcs.) Is 40 rubles.
- Zirtek. A more expensive analogue produced by Switzerland and Belgium. The pharmaceutical market comes in two dosage forms: in tablets (180 rubles) and drops (240 rubles).
In addition to the above drugs, analogues are no less effective:
- Claridol
- Clarisens
- Clargotil
- “Clarifarm”;
- Clarfast;
- Klallirgen
- Vero-Loratadin;
- Alerpriv;
- Lomilan
- Erolin.
As you can see, there are a lot of drugs that are analogues of the Claritin drug. 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.
Cost of medicine
The drug "Claritin" is easily purchased in almost all pharmacies. He is released without a prescription. Therefore, difficulties with its acquisition in patients do not arise.
Today in pharmacies, the following cost of the original drug:
- The tablet form of the Claritin drug, the price is 210-230 rubles per 1 pack of 10 pills.
- Syrup (120 ml), the cost is 360-380 rubles.
- A bottle containing 60 ml, the price is 250-270 rubles.
The opinion of doctors
Analyzing the reviews of doctors about the drug “Claritin”, we can conclude: this medicine is the most popular remedy in the fight against allergies. A fair question arises - why? Doctors explain their preference quite simply.
Antiallergic drug “Claritin” is a new generation of medicine. It has a number of advantages in comparison with Suprastin, Tavegil. Preparations of the previous generation, despite their effectiveness, caused many unpleasant side effects. The medicine “Claritin” acts selectively on histamine receptors. Thanks to this, it is possible to avoid many unpleasant reactions from the digestive system and the nervous system.
In addition, the drug "Claritin" is not distinguished by 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 of attention.
Means "Claritin" acts sparingly on the mucous membranes. As a result, their drying out does not occur, which often underlies the development of infectious pathologies.
Patient Reviews
The opinions of patients about the drug "Claritin" vary widely. Reviews of some people confirm the high effectiveness of the drug. Such patients note that the medicine almost immediately eliminates allergic symptoms. 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 ensured. The only disadvantage of the drug is the high price.
Other patients openly report that the medicine could not help them cope with allergies. In this case, the presence of headache or drowsiness is noted.
The conclusion is as follows. The medicine "Claritin" is a fairly effective remedy, which, due to individual characteristics, may not be suitable for the patient.