Before you have any skin tests for allergies, tell the doctor in charge that you are taking CLARITIN. The results of the test may be affected by the antihistamine in CLARITIN.

When taking antihistamines (contained in this combination medicine) on a regular basis, make sure your doctor knows if you are taking large amounts of aspirin at the same time (as for arthritis or rheumatism). Effects of too much aspirin, such as ringing in the ears, may be covered up by the antihistamine.

The antihistamine in CLARITIN will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are other antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are taking CLARITIN.

The antihistamine in CLARITIN may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert than they are normally. Some antihistamines are more likely to cause drowsiness than others (loratadine , for example, rarely produces this effect). Make sure you know how you react before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert.

The decongestant in CLARITIN may add to the central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and other effects of diet aids. Do not use medicines for diet or appetite control while taking CLARITIN unless you have checked with your doctor.

The decongestant in CLARITIN may cause some people to be nervous or restless or to have trouble in sleeping. If you have trouble in sleeping, take the last dose of CLARITIN for each day a few hours before bedtime. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Antihistamines may cause dryness of the mouth, nose, and throat. Some antihistamines are more likely to cause dryness of the mouth than others (loratadine , for example, rarely produces this effect). For temporary relief, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.

For patients using promethazine-containing medicine :

• CLARITIN controls nausea and vomiting. For this reason, it may cover up the signs of overdose caused by other medicines or the symptoms of intestinal blockage. This will make it difficult for your doctor to diagnose these conditions. Make sure your doctor knows that you are taking CLARITIN if you have other symptoms such as stomach or lower abdominal pain, cramping, or soreness. Also, if you think you may have taken an overdose of any medicine, tell your doctor that you are taking CLARITIN.

• too much medicine is taken

• it is taken in large doses

• it is taken for a long period of time

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

• Clumsiness or unsteadiness;  convulsions (seizures);  drowsiness (severe);  dryness of mouth, nose, or throat (severe);  flushing or redness of face;  hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there);  headache (continuing) ;  shortness of breath or troubled breathing;  slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat;  trouble in sleeping 

• For promethazine only
  • Muscle spasms (especially of neck and back);  restlessness;  shuffling walk;  tic-like (jerky) movements of head and face;  trembling and shaking of hands 
  
  

Also, check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Rare
  • Back, leg or stomach pain;  black, sticky stools;  bleeding gums;  blood, cloudy or dark urine, or sudden decrease in amount of urine;  blood pressure increased;  blurred vision ;  chest pain;  confusion ;  diarrhea;  dizziness;  faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position;  fever or chills;  light-colored stools;  mood or mental changes;  nosebleeds;  sore throat and fever;  skin rash or hives;  stillbirth;  swollen mouth, throat, face, fingers, feet, glands or lower legs ;  sweating suddenly;  tightness in chest;  troubled breathing;  twitching, twisting, or uncontrolled repetitive movements of face;  unusual bleeding or bruising;  unusual tiredness or weakness;  vomiting of blood;  weight gain suddenly;  yellow or pale eyes or skin 
  
  

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

• More common--rare with loratadine-containing combination
  • Drowsiness;  thickening of the bronchial secretions 
  
  

• Less common--more common with high doses
  • Blurred vision;  confusion;  difficult or painful urination;  dizziness ;  dryness of mouth, nose, or throat;  headache;  loss of appetite;  nightmares;  pounding heartbeat;  ringing or buzzing in ears;  skin rash ;  stomach upset or pain (more common with pyrilamine) ;  unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability;  unusual sleepiness, weakness or drowsiness, extreme tiredness 
  
  

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.