Claritin & Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is a blood disorder characterized by a decreased number of red blood cells in the blood due to low levels of iron in the blood 1. Iron is required for the formation of hemoglobin, which is a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Claritin use may cause symptoms of iron deficiency anemia 12.
Claritin and Nosebleeds
Claritin also relieves itching and redness caused by hives 2. Claritin use may cause nose bleeding, which is the loss of blood from small blood vessels in the nose 2. Patients who experience frequent nosebleeds due to Claritin use may develop iron deficiency anemia 12.
Claritin and Gastrointestinal Upset
Allegra D Vs. Claritin D
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Patients taking Claritin may experience gastrointestinal disturbances such as stomach pain,nausea, vomiting and diarrhea 2. Gastrointestinal disturbances affect the absorption of iron from iron-rich foods and supplements. Patients with stomach problems also experience decreased appetite, which also reduces the amount of iron available for absorption. Iron is necessary for the formation of healthy red blood cells. A lack of iron leads to iron deficiency anemia 1.
Claritin and Liver Problems
Claritin use may cause liver problems such as inflammation, necrosis and jaundice 2. The liver is important in the maintenance of healthy red blood cells in the body. The liver stores excess iron in the body so that the bone marrow can use the mineral later on to produce more healthy red blood cells. A diseased liver cannot store iron, which leads to low iron levels in the blood and iron deficiency anemia 1.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Symptoms of Decreased Liver Function
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References
- MayoClinic.com; Iron Deficiency Anemia; March 4, 2011
- Drugs.com: Claritin
- Deloughery TG. Iron deficiency anemia. Med Clin North Am. 2017;101(2):319-332. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2016.09.004
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Iron-deficiency anemia.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Iron. December 3, 2018.
- National Institutes of Health. Iron. February 28, 2020.
- American Association for Clinical Chemistry. Complete blood count (CBC). Updated February 20, 2020.
- American Association for Clinical Chemistry. Transferrin and iron-binding capacity (TIBC, UIBC). Updated January 31, 2020.
- Food and Drug Administration. Injectafer Label. Updated January 2018.
- American Red Cross. Frequently asked questions about blood donation. 2020.
Writer Bio
Destiny Simmons has worked as a professional health writer since 2005. She specializes in health and nutrition articles. Her work has appeared in various health Web sites. Destiny holds a Bachelors of Science in nursing from Boston University and a Master of Public Health Nutrition from Tufts University.