What should you know about Claritin for hives?

Hives are raised, itchy welts that can appear on different parts of the body and change shape or location. Histamine release causes the swelling and itch, which is why an oral antihistamine may help. Hives can occur with infections, medicines, foods, heat, pressure or no clear trigger. Deeper swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or eyelids is called angioedema and needs closer attention.

Take Claritin only according to the product label or a clinician's instructions, and check before use if you have kidney or liver disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take other medicines. Avoid doubling antihistamines unless a clinician directs it. Keep a record of foods, medicines, heat, pressure and timing around each flare. If hives persist or recur, a clinician may consider a structured antihistamine plan or other treatment.

Call emergency services immediately for trouble breathing, throat tightness, voice change, faintness, or swelling of the tongue or mouth. Seek prompt medical review for painful rather than itchy lesions, bruising that remains after a welt fades, fever, or swelling that does not behave like ordinary hives. A spreading skin rash with blistering also needs urgent assessment.

Ask whether the rash is hives, how long to use Claritin, what to do if it does not help, which medicines or triggers to avoid, and how to recognise angioedema or a severe allergic reaction.