Children’s Claritin (loratadine) is an over-the-counter medication indicated for the temporary treatment of symptoms associated with allergies or hay fever, such as nasal congestion or itchy eyes. This medication is a type of antihistamine that works by blocking the action of a specific substance (histamine) within the body that is involved in the development of allergic symptoms. Children’s Claritin is administered orally as a liquid or chewable tablet in children over the age of 2 or as a fast-dissolving tablet in children over the age of 6. Most children do not experience side effects while taking this medication. Loratadine--the active ingredient in Children’s Claritin--can cause minor side effects in some children.
Dry Mouth
While taking Children’s Claritin, your child may develop dry mouth as a side effect of this medication. Dry mouth can be accompanied by additional side effects, including sore throat, mouth sores or nasal dryness. If your child develops dry mouth after taking a dose of Children’s Claritin, you may notice that she begins to drink more than usual due to increased thirst caused by this side effect. She may also be uninterested in eating her favorite snack because of pain within her mouth or throat. Such side effects are typically mild in severity and resolve shortly after your child takes a dose of Children’s Claritin.
Stomach Upset
Your child may complain that his tummy hurts after taking a dose of Children’s Claritin. The active ingredient in this medication (loratadine) can cause mild stomach pain to occur in some children, explain health professionals at Medline Plus, an online medical encyclopedia provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Additional symptoms associated with this side effect can include mild nausea or stomach upset. Your child may refuse to eat her usual snack or meal due to such side effects. You can limit the occurrence of stomach-related side effects by giving your child a small snack before he takes a dose.
Headache or Dizziness
Treatment with Children’s Claritin can cause mild headache, dizziness or lightheadedness. Approximately 7 percent of treated patients experience headache as a side effect of this medication, explains Drugs.com, an online drug information resource. If your child experiences such side effects, she may complain that her head hurts or that the room is moving. You may notice that she is more clumsy than usual or trips or falls more easily after taking a dose. The headaches and dizziness associated with this medication are typically mild and subside shortly after treatment.
