FitSugar

Yoga Poses for Dysmenorrhea

FitSugar — Tue, 08 May 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Dysmenorrhea. A big word meaning severe aching and throbbing menstrual cramps. About 50% of women have painful periods (no wonder we're all so unhappy). These cramps can be sharp, constant, intermittent, or dull, and women feel them in their lower abdomen and back. They are caused by uterine contractions, and can be aggravated by emotional stress. These piercing pains may come right before you get your period or during, and usual go away after Aunt Flo leaves you.

Now everyone has cramps, but when I say dysmenorrhea - I'm talking about crippling, can't get through your normal day kind of pain. Some women get awful headaches and severely nauseas (I had a friend who used to throw up from the pain). Another thing - people with dysmenorrhea usually have really heavy periods. Twice the fun.

Some women take pain meds to deal, but you may want to give these yoga poses a try. For me, sometimes getting my body moving (and out of fetal position on the couch) really helps with cramps.

Ahh, Wide Squat pose. Hip pain can be part of the whole cramp scene, so stretching them out feels really good.

Want to see the other poses that might help? Then read more

Pigeon pose also opens your hips, but sometimes it feels better to work one side at a time. If you keep your torso lifted, it stretches out your lower back, but if you lie your torso down on your front leg, it's really relaxing. It feels great to hang out in this pose for a few minutes on each side.

Stretching out your lower and upper back can also relieve cramps. This one called Camel also stretches out the front of the hips, belly, chest and shoulders.

If you don't feel like moving your body much, sitting in this pose called Hero is a great way to relax the body and calm your thoughts.

Yoga and Asthma

FitSugar — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Several studies have shown Yoga to be a powerful therapy in reducing the frequency and intensity of asthma attacks. I also found that when I'm practicing Yoga regularly, I can decrease my prescription meds.

Yoga is all about pranayama (breathing), which is great for meditation, but it's also good for your lungs. It increases the lung’s airflow, air capacity, stamina, and efficiency.

You can practice different pranayama techniques, they all have great names. One of my favorites is Breath of Fire, where you do quick exhalations out your nose, which pumps your abdominal muscles, and releases stagnant air from the body.

You can also practice inhaling deeply, and holding the breath in for a few seconds (or as long as you can), and then exhaling and holding your body empty for a few seconds (or more). Do this a few times and make sure you're not holding the breath too long - you shouldn't feel stressed or uncomfortable.

Certain poses can be beneficial if you suffer from asthma too. Want to see which ones? Then read more

Back bending postures open the chest, improving both lung and heart functioning. If your trouble during an asthma attack is exhaling, practice upper back bends and chest opening postures like Wheel and Camel regularly. Practice forward bends and lower back bending poses if it is more difficult to inhale during an attack. Don't do these during an attack though, just add them into your daily exercise routine (you exercise regularly, right?)

Inverted postures like headstands and Downward Facing Dog pose can also help drain excess mucus from the lungs and balance the immune system.

Relaxation poses like Savasana (lying on your back) can also help to regulate the breath and reduce anxiety, to help prevent an attack, or help you stay calm during an attack.

Fit's Tips: If you want to learn more about how Yoga can help asthma, check out this book called Yoga Beats Asthma ($14.71 through Amazon).

Migraine Relief Techniques

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Ever had a migraine? If you answered "no" - well then you are lucky. If you answered "yes" you don't need me to tell you that migraine headaches are both unbearable and disabling. You feel severe pain on one or both sides of your head, or behind your eyes. You develop an extreme sensitivity to light and sound, and may even become nauseous from the pain. All you want to do is crawl into a dark, soundless cave, and wrap yourself in a blanket and wait until the awful nauseating pain passes.

The thing with migraines is that they can be really inconsistent, showing up with no obvious cause. Many people's migraines may be triggered by environment, sickness, or diet. Some women experience hormonal triggers, like mestruation. Stress, too much or too little sleep, alcohol, and weather changes can also cause a migraine.

Certain foods or smells can also trigger a migraine. Eating foods with MSG (monosodium glutamate) or strong smells from perfumes or chemicals like in paint can also cause a migraine.

How can you get relief? To find out, read more

Taking a cold or hot shower directed onto your head may relieve symptoms. Or you can just use a cold or hot wet washcloth. Some people find relief by taking a warm bath, or relaxing in a quiet dark room.

Drinking a cup of caffeinated coffee daily might help to prevent headaches to begin with.
My favorite tasty remedy? The ice cream technique. Some people find relief by causing a "brain freeze." Place spoonfuls of ice cream on the soft palate at the back of the mouth until they melt or become intolerable. This directly cools the hypothalamus, which is suspected to be involved with migraines.
Exercise daily. Regular exercise can reduce tension and stress, which may be causing your migraines in the first place.
Don't smoke - it can trigger headaches or make them worse.
You can also try over-the-counter migraine medications. If these don't work or you have recurring migraines, see your doctor and they may prescribe stronger migraine pain meds.
Biofeedback can help by teaching you how to avoid the physical stress that triggers the headache.

Loratadine (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:48:58 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Loratadine (lor-AT-a-deen)

Treats allergy (hay fever) symptoms and hives. This medicine is an antihistamine.

Brand Name(s)

Claritin, Allergy Relief, Rite Aid Loratadine, Children's Clear-Atadine, Family Pharmacy Allergy Relief, The Medicine Shoppe Allergy Relief for Kids, Leader Allergy Relief, Quality Choice Children's Allergy Relief, Children's Claritin, The Medicine Shoppe Loratadine, Ohm Allergy Relief, Alavert, Quality Choice Loratadine, Good Neighbor Loratadine, Good Sense Allergy Relief

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to loratadine. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 2 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet, Dissolving Tablet, Liquid, Chewable Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
After you remove a rapidly disintegrating tablet (Reditab®) from the package, use it right away by putting the tablet on your tongue. The tablet will break up and dissolve quickly. You may take the tablet with or without water.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or kidney disease.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Extreme weakness
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Uncontrolled movements of the head, neck, eyes or tongue

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Cough, sore throat, hoarseness
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Headache
Nervousness
Red, irritated eyes

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0275

Speak Up: How Do You Find Seasonal Allergy Relief?

FitSugar — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:00:00 -0700

A good percentage of the population suffers from seasonal allergies, and springtime can be the worst with all the new plants budding. To find relief, I'm a regular neti pot user and am always telling people to use one too. The warm salt water helps flush pollen, dust, and mold spores out of my nose, which helps prevent symptoms. When dealing with pain from sinus congestion, I also suggest people use a therapeutic warming pillow. The heat helps loosen up mucus, which helps alleviate sinus pressure.

If you too deal with seasonal allergy symptoms, I'm sure you have some great remedies, so share them in the comment section below.

Source

Proven PMS Relief

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 02:30:00 -0700

The majority of us are held prisoner by PMS for at least part of the month. Relief may just come in a cocktail. No! Not a martini, but a mix of vitamins recommended by gynecologist Dr. Tracy Gaudet.

Gaudet, the executive director of the Integrative Medicine program at Duke University Medical School, suggests a mix of supplements: calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6. She has found this supplement cocktail can greatly reduce the moodiness and bloating that often accompany visits from Aunt Ruby. These supplements might even help reduce excessive menstrual bleeding.

Fit's Tip: When taking supplements, make sure you stay in levels of tolerable limits. Taking an excessive amount of vitamin B6 can have negative health consequences. The RDI for vitamins B6 is 1.3 mg/day and the upper tolerance level is 30 mg/day.

Source

Meclizine (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:48:38 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Meclizine (MEK-li-zeen)

Used to treat motion sickness and dizziness.Belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines.

Brand Name(s)

Antivert/25, Antivert, Antivert/50, Rite Aid Motion Sickness Relief, UniVert, Meclicot, Motion Sickness Relief, Family Pharmacy Motion Sickness Relief, Dramamine, Medi-Meclizine, Good Neighbor Motion Sickness Relief, Brite-Life Motion Sickness Relief

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction meclizine or related medicines such as buclizine (Buclidan-S®) or cyclizine (Marezine®).

How to Use This Medicine

Capsule, Chewable Tablet, Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
You may take your medicine with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. One dose should keep you from getting nauseated for 24 hours.
Chew the chewable tablet for at least 2 minutes.
If you are taking this medicine for motion sickness, it should be taken at least one hour before you travel.

If a dose is missed:

If you are taking meclizine regularly, take your medicine as soon as you remember that you have missed your dose.
If it is nearly time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
You should not use two doses at one time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Keep your medicine at room temperature, away from heat, direct light and moisture.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking prescription or over-the-counter sleeping pills, sedatives, muscle relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, antidepressants, tranquilizers or barbiturates (such as phenobarbital).
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking meclizine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
This medicine may make you drowsy. Be careful when driving a car or operating heavy machines.
Check with your doctor before taking meclizine if you have asthma, glaucoma, emphysema or lung disease, heart failure, an enlarged prostate gland, or trouble urinating.
This medicine is not for children less than 12 years old.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Very fast or irregular heartbeat
Wheezing or trouble breathing
Rash or hives
Severe confusion

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Drowsiness
Headache
Diarrhea or constipation
Dry mouth, nose, or throat
Blurred vision (mild)

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0252

Antihistamine/acetaminophen (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:09:57 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Treats aches, pains, trouble sleeping, and allergy symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat.

Brand Name(s)

Cefinal II, The Medicine Shoppe Medi-Tabs PM, Good Sense Pain Reliever & Sleep Aid PM, Night-Time Pain Reliever/Sleep Aid, Rite Aid Acetaminophen PM, Non-Aspirin PM Extra Strength, Tylenol PM Extra Strength, Tylenol Cold Relief, Tylenol Day & Night, Quality Choice Leg Pain Relief PM, Excedrin PM, Good Sense Headache Relief, Good Sense Allergy Severe, Percogesic Extra Strength, Quality Choice Cold Relief

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen (Tylenol®), or to diphenhydramine (Benadryl®). Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 2 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine

Capsule, Tablet, Packet, Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This combination medicine contains acetaminophen (Tylenol(R)). Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using because they may also contain acetaminophen. It is not safe to use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Place the oral powder on your tongue, and then take a drink of water or another liquid. You may also put the powder into a glass of water or other liquid, stir it, and then drink it.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not also use other medicines that contain acetaminophen or diphenhydramine, including topical (skin) medicine. You may be getting more than a safe amount of these medicines.
Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen taken with alcohol can increase your risk of damage to your liver. If you regularly drink three or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take any medicines that contain acetaminophen without asking your doctor.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have glaucoma, kidney problems, or liver problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of breathing problems such as asthma or COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis). Make sure your doctor knows if you have trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol on a regular basis. Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to any antihistamine, and about any other health problems you may have.
Do not give this medicine to anyone under 12 years of age, unless a doctor tells you to.
This medicine may make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Do not use this medicine for more than 10 days. Do not use this medicine to treat fever for more than 3 days, unless a doctor tells you to do so. If you have trouble sleeping that lasts for longer than 2 weeks, stop using this medicine and talk to your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Redness or swelling.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5323

Bismuth subsalicylate (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:03:39 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Bismuth Subsalicylate (BIZ-muth sub-sal-IS-i-late)

Treats diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and upset stomach. This medicine contains a salicylate and is related to aspirin.

Brand Name(s)

Helidac Therapy, Pepto Bismol Maximum Strength, QC Pink Bismuth, Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol, Pepto Bismol, Diotame Stomach Relief, Peptic Relief, Bismatrol, Diotame, Kola-Pectin, Good Neighbor K-Pec, Brite-Life K-Pec, Good Sense Stomach Relief, Rite Aid Stomach Relief

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to bismuth subsalicylate, aspirin, or to other pain and arthritis medicines (such as ibuprofen, Advil®, Aleve®, Motrin®, Orudis®). You should not use this medicine if you have a stomach ulcer, any kind of bleeding problem, or bloody or black stools. Do not give this medicine to a child or teenager who has chicken pox or symptoms of a virus or the flu, unless your doctor has told you to. Do not use this medicine if you are also using another salicylate medicine (such as mesalamine, Asacol®, Doan's® Pills, or Pentasa®).

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
This medicine is not for long-term use.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Chew the chewable tablet thoroughly before you swallow it. You may also let the chewable tablet melt slowly in your mouth.
Swallow the tablet ("caplet") whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or break it.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
The liquid medicine may be kept in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Ask your doctor before using this medicine if you are also using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), diabetes medicine (insulin or oral medicine such as glipizide, glyburide, metformin, Actos®, Avandia®, Glucotrol®, Glucophage®, Glucovance®), pain or arthritis medicine (such as diclofenac, etodolac, indomethacin, Celebrex®, Daypro®, Dolobid®, Feldene®, Indocin®, Relafen®, Voltaren®), or probenecid (Benemid®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Ask your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have diabetes, gout, or arthritis.
Check with your doctor before using this medicine if you have a fever or blood in your stool.
Aspirin can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers. Bismuth subsalicylate might also cause Reye's syndrome. If a child has behavior changes along with nausea and vomiting while using this medicine, call the child's doctor right away.
If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor. If you still have diarrhea after you have been using this medicine for 2 days, stop using this medicine and call your doctor.
Your tongue or stool may turn a dark color when you use this medicine. This is normal and should go away soon after you stop using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Rectal bleeding, blood, or mucus in your stools.
Ringing in your ears, or changes in your hearing.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_4857

Loratadine/pseudoephedrine (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:54:27 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Loratadine (lor-AT-a-deen), Pseudoephedrine Sulfate (soo-doe-e-FED-rin SUL-fate)

Treats hay fever symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Loratadine is an antihistamine, and pseudoephedrine is a decongestant.

Brand Name(s)

Leader Allergy Relief D-12, Alavert D-12 Hour, The Medicine Shoppe Allergy Relief D12, Claritin-D 12HR, Claritin-D, Loratadine-D, Good Neighbor Allergy & Congestion Relief 24 Hour, Quality Choice Loratadine-D, Claritin-D 24 Hour, Clear-Atadine D, Leader Allergy Relief D-24

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to loratadine or pseudoephedrine. If you have glaucoma, problems urinating, severe high blood pressure, or heart disease or if you have taken a type of medicine called an MAO inhibitor (such as Marplan®, Parnate®, or Nardil®) in the past 14 days, then you should not take this medicine. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 2 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine

12 Hour Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, 24 Hour Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often. You should not use more of this medicine than your doctor ordered.
Claritin-D 24 Hour® extended-release tablets should only be taken once a day.
Take the tablet with a full glass of water.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew.
It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.
Drink plenty of liquids while taking this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

Take your medicine as soon as possible unless it is almost time for your next dose. If you are taking Claritin-D 24 Hour®, you should only take one dose a day.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Keep the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
You should not use other antihistamines or decongestants while taking this medicine, including those you buy without a doctor's prescription.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking medicine for high blood pressure, ketoconazole (Nizoral®), cimetidine (Tagamet®), or erythromycin (E.E.S.®, ERYC®, Ery-Tab®, and others).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

You should not use Claritin-D 24 Hour® tablets if you have trouble swallowing tablets. The tablet could get stuck as it passes down toward your stomach.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or prostate problems before taking this medicine.
This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Be careful if you are driving or using machinery.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Wheezing or trouble breathing
Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
Fainting or passing out

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Trouble sleeping
Headache
Nervousness
Dry mouth or nose
Dizziness or drowsiness

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0713