How Taken

Use Clarinex as directed by your doctor.

• Clarinex may be taken by mouth with or without food.
• Swallow Clarinex whole. Do not crush or chew before swallowing.
• Continue to take Clarinex even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Taking Clarinex at the same time each day will help you to remember to take it.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Clarinex. Drug Class and Mechanism

Clarinex is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the action of histamine, which reduces the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Clarinex, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage
Store Clarinex between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Clarinex out of the reach of children and away from pets.

How Taken
Use Medrol as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Medrol by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.

Drug Class and Mechanism
Medrol is a corticosteroid. It works by modifying the immune system response to various conditions and decreasesing inflammation.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Medrol, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage
Store Medrol at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Medrol out of the reach of children and away from pets.

How Taken
This medication is inhaled into the lungs using a special inhaling device. Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. If you are not sure how to use this device, reread the patient information leaflet or ask your pharmacist. After the dose is loaded, breathe out. Place the mouthpiece between your lips and breathe in rapidly and deeply through your mouth. The drug will be inhaled as you breathe in. Hold your breath for 10 seconds to assure it reaches deep into your lungs. Slowly breathe out. Do not exhale into device. Replace the cover. If the inhaler device is dropped, shaken, or you accidentally breathe into the device after the dose has been loaded, you will lose your dose. Load and inhale another dose. Do not use the inhaler if it has been damaged or if the mouthpiece has become detached. If two inhalations are prescribed, wait at least one minute between inhalations. If using other inhalers, use this one (the corticosteroid) last and wait several minutes after using the other(s) before using this one. To prevent dry mouth and hoarseness, rinse your mouth after each use. Do not swallow the rinse solution. It is important to practice good oral hygiene to prevent mouth infections while using this medication. This medication works best if used consistently at even intervals. It is usually used once in the morning and evening. Do not increase your dose, use this more frequently or stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor.

Drug Class and Mechanism
Pulmicort Inhaler is a man-made glucocorticoid steroid related to the naturally-occurring hormone, cortisol or hydrocortisone which is produced in the adrenal glands.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not “double-up” the dose to catch up.

Storage
Always replace the cover. Store inhaler at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a dry place away from moisture.

How Taken
Adults and children 6 years of age and over: The recommended dose of Claritin is one 10 mg tablet or reditab, or 2 teaspoonfuls (10 mg) of syrup once daily. Children 2 to 5 years of age: The recommended dose of Claritin Syrup is 5 mg (1 teaspoonful) once daily. In adults and children 6 years of age and over with liver failure or renal insufficiency (GFR < 30 mL/min), the starting dose should be 10 mg (one tablet or two teaspoonfuls) every other day. In children 2 to 5 years of age with liver failure or renal insufficiency, the starting dose should be 5 mg (one teaspoonful) every other day.

Drug Class and Mechanism
Claritin is a type of medication that blocks the action of histamine, a natural substance in your body that is released by your immune system during an allergic reaction.

Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Storage
Claritin can be stored at room temperature. The Reditabs should be kept in a dry place. Use them within 6 months after opening the foil pouch in which they are packed. Take each tablet immediately after removing it from its individual blister.

How Taken
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Thid medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Try to take this medicine every day at evenly spaced times. If you have questions about the best time to take it, ask your pharmacist.

Drug Class and Mechanism
This medicine is a bronchodilator used to treat the symptoms of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

How Taken
The initial dose of prednisone varies depending on the condition being treated and the age of the patient. The starting dose may be from 5 to 60 mg per day and often is adjusted based on the response of the condition being treated. Corticosteroids typically do not produce immediate effects and must be used for several days before maximal effects are seen. It may take much longer before conditions respond to treatment. Prolonged therapy with prednisone causes the adrenal glands to atrophy and stop producing cortisol. When prednisone is discontinued after a period of prolonged therapy, the dose of prednisone must be tapered (lowered gradually) to allow the adrenal glands time to recover. (See side effects.) It is recommended that prednisone to be taken with food.

Drug Class and Mechanism
Prednisone is an oral, synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid used for suppressing the immune system and inflammation. It has effects similar to other corticosteroids such as triamcinolone (Kenacort), methylprednisolone (Medrol), prednisolone (Prelone) and dexamethasone (Decadron). These synthetic corticosteroids mimic the action of cortisol (hydrocortisone), the naturally-occurring corticosteroid produced in the body by the adrenal glands. Corticosteroids have many effects on the body, but they most often are used for their potent anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in those conditions in which the immune system plays an important role. Such conditions include arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, certain skin rashes, and allergic or inflammatory conditions of the nose and eyes. Prednisone is inactive in the body and, in order to be effective, first must be converted to prednisolone by enzymes in the liver. Therefore, prednisone may not work as effectively in people with liver disease whose ability to convert prednisone to prednisolone is impaired

Missed Dose
If you take one dose daily, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if you don’t remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and take only your regular daily dose. If you take more than one dose daily, you can either take the missed dose as soon as you remember, or you can take two doses at the next dose time.If you take one dose every other day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then go back to your regular every-other-day schedule.

Storage
Store at room temperature 20-25 degrees C (68-77 degrees F), and keep away from moisture.

How Taken
These sprays are only for use in the nose. Do not spray in the mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Gently blow nose first to clear the nasal passages. If nasal passages are blocked, you may administer a nasal decongestant spray 5-10 minutes prior to administration, if approved of by your prescriber. Do not use the nasal spray for more than one person. Do not use extra doses or use more of this medicine than your prescriber or health care professional has prescribed. Prior to the use of the nasal spray for the first time, get the spray ready for use by priming the spray according to the instructional leaflet that comes with this medicine, usually by pumping the spray 6 times into the air and away from the face. Shake the nasal sprayer well before each use. Close one nostril, then, with head upright, spray the medicine into the other nostril. Point the nozzle away from the middle of your nose. Sniff briskly while squeezing the bottle quickly and firmly. Administer the dose in the other nostril in the same manner. After use, rinse the tip of the spray bottle with hot water, taking care not to suck water into the bottle. Dry with a clean tissue. Replace the cap directly after cleaning.

Drug Class and Mechanism
Beconase AQ is a corticosteroid.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose and remember within an hour or so, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose and continue with your regular schedule, spacing doses evenly. Do not use double or extra doses.

Storage
Store at room temperature between 2 and 25 degrees C (36 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused mediation after the expiration date.

How Taken
Use Aristocort as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Aristocort by mouth with food.
To reduce side effects, take Aristocort around 8 a.m. in the morning.
Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Do not stop taking Aristocort except on your prescriber’s advice.
Drug Class and Mechanism

Aristocort is a corticosteroid. It works by reducing inflammation and modifying the body’s immune system. 

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, consult your prescriber or health care professional.

You may need to miss a dose or take a double dose, depending on your condition and treatment. Do not take double or extra doses without advice.

Storage
Aristocort should be stored at room temperature, 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) and protected from heat, and direct light.

Drug Uses

How Taken
For seasonal allergies the recommended dose for adults and children 12 years or older is 60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once daily. Children 6-11 years of age should be given 30 mg twice daily. For chronic urticaria, adults and children 12 years or older should use 60 mg twice daily, and children 6-11 years of age should use 30 mg twice daily. Fexofenadine can be taken with or without food.

Drug Class and Mechanism
Fexofenadine is an oral, “second generation” antihistamine that is used to treat the signs and symptoms of allergy that are due to histamine. It is similar to the other second generation antihistamines loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec) and azelastine (Astelin). Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for many of the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, for example, swelling of the lining of the nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells (mast cells) and then attaches to other cells that have receptors for histamine. The attachment of the histamine to the receptors causes the cell to be “activated,” releasing other chemicals that produce the effects that we associate with allergy, e.g., sneezing. Fexofenadine blocks one type of receptor for histamine (the H1 receptor) and thus prevents activation of H1 receptor-containing cells by histamine. Unlike the first generation antihistamines, fexofenadine and other second-generation antihistamines do not readily enter the brain from the blood, and, therefore, they cause less drowsiness. Fexofenadine was approved by the FDA in July, 1995.

Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Storage
Store Allegra capsules and tablets at controlled room temperature 20-25C (68-77F). Foil-backed blister packs containing Allegra capsules and all tablet packaging should be protected from excessive moisture.

How Taken
To treat asthma symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness and tightness in your chest, a usual dose is:
Adults: One or two puffs to relieve symptoms or two puffs 10-15 minutes before exercise or exposure to a trigger.
Children: One or two puffs to relieve symptoms or 10-15 minutes before exercise or exposure to a trigger.
Usually the most you would take in a 24-hour period is 8 puffs.

For regular treatment:

• Adults and children: Two puffs up to 4 times a day.

Drug Class and Mechanism
Ventolin contains the active ingredient Salbutamol, which is a type of medicine known as a short-acting beta 2 agonist. It works by acting on receptors in the lungs called beta 2 receptors. Stimulation of these receptors causes the muscles in the airways to relax, allowing the airways to open.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Storage
Store at the room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Keep out of the reach of children.