ORAL ANTIHISTAMINES
Patient Counselling
- How it works?
o Loratidine lowers or stops the body’s reaction to the allergen
- When to take it?
o This drug is most useful if started before contact with the allergen. Take at least 1 to 3 hours before.
- How to take it?
o Take this drug at the same time of day.
o Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
o If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you think about it; If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
o Many times this drug is taken on as needed basis.
o Avoid use of alcohol.
- What are some adverse events?
o Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, or nausea. Report persistent dizziness or sedation; swelling of face, mouth, lips, or tongue; respiratory difficulty; lack of improvement; or worsening of condition.
o Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how this drug affects you
o Headache
o Dry mouth. God mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar free gum may help. See a dentist often.
- Who should not take antihistamines?
o Do not use antihistamines if you are allergic to the agent or any part of the drug.
References:
1. Loratidine. Lexi-comp drugs. Accessed on July 9th, 2012 from <http://online.lexi.com/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/7196>
o Loratidine lowers or stops the body’s reaction to the allergen
- When to take it?
o This drug is most useful if started before contact with the allergen. Take at least 1 to 3 hours before.
- How to take it?
o Take this drug at the same time of day.
o Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
o If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you think about it; If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
o Many times this drug is taken on as needed basis.
o Avoid use of alcohol.
- What are some adverse events?
o Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, or nausea. Report persistent dizziness or sedation; swelling of face, mouth, lips, or tongue; respiratory difficulty; lack of improvement; or worsening of condition.
o Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how this drug affects you
o Headache
o Dry mouth. God mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar free gum may help. See a dentist often.
- Who should not take antihistamines?
o Do not use antihistamines if you are allergic to the agent or any part of the drug.
References:
1. Loratidine. Lexi-comp drugs. Accessed on July 9th, 2012 from <http://online.lexi.com/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/7196>