Safety of Claritin for Kids

Many children suffer from hay fever, an allergy to pollen, dust and other airborne substances. The most common symptoms of allergy are runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes, nose and throat. A common treatment for allergies is Claritin for Kids, also known as Loratadine. Claritin for Kids is available over-the-counter in tablet form with long-lasting, 12-hour effects. However, several important safety factors must be considered before deciding if Claritin for Kids is right for your child.

Allergy

Children who have known allergies to one or more ingredients in Claritin for Kids are advised by Drugs.com and Claritin.com not to take Claritin for Kids as a major life-threatening allergy could occur 1. If your child has known food and drug allergies, discuss them with his pediatrician before choosing Clariting for Kids. According to Drugs.com, this information can provide clues as to the likelihood that your child will be allergic to Claritin for Kids.

Drowsiness and Overdose

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Claritin.com warns that taking more Claritin for Kids than directed can cause drowsiness. As doses get higher serious toxicity can occur, and Claritin.com recommends calling Poison Control and getting medical help without delay if your child has taken excessive amounts of Claritin for Kids. For this reason Drugs.com advises you keep Claritin for Kids out of reach of children.

Phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic condition that can result in mental retardation unless a careful diet is observed from birth to death. Testing for PKU is performed routinely on most newborns born in the U.S.A. Individuals with PK should not consume phenylalanine or its precursor, aspartame. Consumer Reports states that some Claritin for Kids tablets contain aspartame. If your child has PKU you should not give him Claritin for Kids.

Side Effects and Age

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According to Drugs.com, there are several possible side effects to Claritin for Kids, including allergic reaction and persistent dizziness. The drug has also not been studied in children below 6 years of age. Therefore, extreme caution must be exercised before giving Claritin for Kids to children under 6 years of age.

Kidney and Liver Disease

If your child has kidney or liver disease Claritin.com advises you consult with a doctor before giving her Claritin for Kids. Consumer Reports gives the same recommendation for parents of children with asthma. These conditions often require adjustments to the dosage of Claritin for Kids, and therefore you should seek medical advice.