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Pseudoephedrine/​Loratadine

    Brands

    DEA Class; OTC

    Common Brand Names; Alavert Allergy & Sinus D, Claritin D, ChlorTripolon, Alavert D-12, Claritin D-24 Hour

    • Antihistamine/Decongestant Combos

    Oral non-sedating antihistamine and sympathomimetic decongestant combination
    Used for temporary relief of sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion and itchy, watery eyes and itchy throat throat due to the common cold or due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies

    Indicated for the temporary relief of symptoms due to seasonal allergic rhinitis or the common cold, including sneezing, rhinorrhea, itching of the nose or throat, nasal congestion, and itchy, watery eyes.

    Documented hypersensitivity to drugs or excipients

    Severe hypertension or coronary disease

    Concurrent or within 14 days of MAO inhibitor use

    • Headache (12%)
    • Somnolence (8%)
    • Drowsiness (8%)
    • Nervousness (4%)
    • Fatigue (3-4%)
    • Dry mouth (3%)
    • Hyperkinesia (3%)
    • Conjunctivitis (2%)
    • Dysphonia (2%)
    • Malaise (2%)
    • URTI (2%)
    • Abdominal pain (2%)

    Caution in hepatic and renal impairment

    Use caution in mild to moderate hypertension, cardiac disease, hyperthyroidism, hyperglycemia, BPH, DM, renal impairment, seizure disorder, thyroid dysfunction, glaucoma, lactation

    Elderly patients are at increased risk for side effects including comorbidities related to anticholinergic effects; maybe potentially inappropriate in this population (Beers criteria)

    Effects of ethanol and other sedative drugs may be potentiated when used concurrently

    Some products may contain phenylalanine

    When used for self-medication, see health-care provider if symptoms do not improve within 7 days or are accompanied by fever

    Many combo formulations are switching to phenylephrine due to restrictions arising from easy conversion to methamphetamine (the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 bans OTC sales of cold medicines that contain ingredients, such as pseudoephedrine, commonly used to make methamphetamine)

    Pregnancy Category: B

    Lactation: both drugs pass into breast milk, pseuoephedrine is concentrated in breast milk; use caution

    Adults

    10 mg/day PO loratadine; 240 mg/day PO pseudoephedrine.

    Geriatric

    10 mg/day PO loratadine; 240 mg/day PO pseudoephedrine.

    Adolescents

    10 mg/day PO loratadine; 240 mg/day PO pseudoephedrine.

    Children

    12 years: 10 mg/day PO loratadine; 240 mg/day PO pseudoephedrine.
    Less than 12 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established.

    Pseudoephedrine/loratadine

    tablet, extended release

    • 5mg/120mg
    • 10mg/240mg