Claritin Drug Interactions

There are several drugs that can potentially interact with Claritin. But unlike other antihistamines, Claritin is less likely to cause serious drug interactions. Usually, drugs that interact with Claritin affect the metabolism and excretion of loratadine in the body. Before taking Claritin, be sure to discuss with your healthcare provider the drugs (both prescription and non-prescription) that you normally take to prevent potential drug interaction.

Here are some of the drugs that can cause significant drug interaction when taken with Claritin.

Antiulcer Drugs – Used to treat and prevent ulcer, Cimetidine can interfere with the metabolism of Claritin. Taking an antiulcer drug together Claritin may increase the serum level of Claritin in the body. Although studies suggest that such increase is negligible and is not likely to cause untoward effects, it is best to consult your physician, especially if there is an increase in side effects.

• Cimetidine (Tagamet)

Antibiotics – Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used for the treatment of bacterial infections. When taken together with Claritin, this antibiotic can alter the metabolism of Claritin in the body, possibly increasing serum levels of Claritin. However, studies suggest that such increase is negligible and is not likely to cause untoward effects for most people.

• Erythromycin (EryTab)

Antifungals – Taking Nizoral with Claritin can possibly increase Claritin levels in the blood, although such increase and is not likely to cause untoward effects for most people.

• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)

If you are on multi-drug therapy and are taking Claritin under medical supervision, your healthcare provider may already be aware of potential drug interactions and may be monitoring you for possible interactions. Do not adjust, change or stop taking any medicine without consulting your healthcare provider. Be sure to check all labels of medications and health supplements that you take, especially cough-and-cold medicines, because they may contain other antihistamines that can increase the risk of side effects. Keep a list of all medications you take and discuss it with your healthcare provider.

This drug information may not list all drugs that can potentially interact with Claritin. Discuss with your healthcare provider possible drug interactions that apply to you.