Clarinase-12

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Clarinase-12

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Method of action: Antiallergic, Vasoconstrictive

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Clarinase-12

Clarinase-12 is a brand name for a Fixed-Dose Combination Product that integrates two active pharmaceutical ingredients, Loratadine and Pseudoephedrine, for oral administration.

Property Description
Active ingredient Loratadine and Pseudoephedrine
Form Oral Tablet (Extended-Release)
Pharmacological class Upper Respiratory Combination
Common use Integrated relief of allergic and congestive symptoms
Origin Synthetic

What Type of Medicine is Clarinase-12?

Clarinase-12 is classified as an Upper Respiratory Combination drug, combining agents from the Antihistamine and Nasal Decongestant classes. This synthetic formulation is clinically recognized for its ability to treat both allergic symptoms and nasal congestion simultaneously, a key advantage over single-ingredient therapies. Loratadine is a second-generation H1-receptor antagonist, a class of drugs noted for their selective action. This means the Loratadine component works primarily to block the chemical processes causing the allergic reaction.


Composition and Form: The Active Ingredients and Extended Release

The product's identity is defined by the established international nonproprietary names (INN): Loratadine and Pseudoephedrine Sulfate. The Pseudoephedrine component is a Sympathomimetic Amine that causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) in the nasal lining. The characteristic differentiating feature of Clarinase-12 is its specific presentation as an Extended-Release Tablet. This specialized oral dosage form regulates the release of the two active substances over a prolonged duration, which supports continuous symptom management throughout the day or night. Combination products of Loratadine and Pseudoephedrine are used for the treatment of associated upper respiratory symptoms. The extended-release mechanism helps maintain a consistent level of the active ingredients for continuous symptom relief.


General Purpose: Targeting Both Allergy and Congestion

The general purpose of this combination product is to offer integrated relief by addressing the dual nature of upper respiratory discomfort. The Loratadine acts to neutralize the effects of the allergy-triggering chemical Histamine, while the Pseudoephedrine component directly reduces physical swelling and pressure via its decongestant action. This approach ensures that both the allergic reaction and the physical obstruction caused by congestion are managed together, offering a consolidated therapeutic strategy.

What side effects are possible with Clarinase-12?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Official regulatory documents classify adverse reactions for the Loratadine and Pseudoephedrine combination product primarily by frequency and the body system affected. The most frequently reported adverse reactions, categorized as Common, include central nervous system effects such as insomnia, headache, nervousness, and somnolence (drowsiness). Gastrointestinal disorders, such as dry mouth, nausea, and anorexia (loss of appetite), are also commonly reported.


Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

The safety profile includes documented serious adverse reactions, such as severe hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis). Furthermore, the pseudoephedrine component is associated with a very rare risk of serious cerebrovascular events, specifically Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) and Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS), as confirmed by regulatory reviews.

Regulatory labeling establishes strict contraindications for use in certain patient populations. The medicine must not be used in individuals with severe hypertension, severe coronary artery disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, or urinary retention. Use of the extended-release formulation is also generally avoided in patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment due to the potential for increased exposure. Additionally, the drug is contraindicated for use with or within 14 days of discontinuing a Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitor.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The regulatory overdose profile for this product is defined by the combined effects of Loratadine and Pseudoephedrine, leading to specific, mandated emergency actions.

Overdose Scope

  • Documented Overdose Manifestations: Overdosage may present with signs of central nervous system (CNS) depression, such as somnolence and headache (Loratadine), alongside CNS stimulation, including restlessness, nervousness, and tremor (Pseudoephedrine).
  • Physiological Systems Affected: Severe outcomes are documented on the Cardiovascular System (e.g., arrhythmias, cardiovascular collapse) and the Central Nervous System (e.g., convulsions, severe hypertension). Regulatory bodies also note the risk of severe, rare neurological events.
  • Population-Specific Notes: The official labeling indicates that the pediatric population may experience an increased severity of CNS effects during an overdose of sympathomimetic amines.
  • Emergency Response Statement: In all cases of suspected overdosage, the mandatory regulatory action is to seek immediate medical attention or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Immediate medical assistance is required due to the potential for life-threatening events.

Overdose Management and Classification

  • Severity: Overdose is implicitly classified as a severe medical emergency by regulatory documents due to the risk of severe and potentially fatal outcomes.
  • Context Constraints: Treatment is officially limited to symptomatic and supportive measures, as no specific antidote is known. Procedures documented in regulatory texts include steps to limit absorption, such as the use of activated charcoal, and continuous ECG monitoring for cardiac risk.

Therapeutic Uses of Clarinase-12

What Clarinase-12 Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Clarinase-12 is generally used in situations involving certain distressing symptoms associated with hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies. It helps address symptom clusters such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching of the nose or throat, and is relevant when supportive symptom management is appropriate for conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms. This medicine is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, particularly for manifestations that interfere with routine activities. It contributes to easing the overall symptom load, which may assist with maintaining comfort during symptomatic phases.

Quick Fact: This medicine is applicable within clinical settings that involve acute or disruptive symptom patterns.


Clinical Scenarios of Use

The medicine is commonly used to help with symptoms related to physical discomfort that become momentarily overwhelming. It is relevant in contexts marked by increased discomfort or tension, such as those related to inflammatory or irritative states. It supports patients during episodes of heightened discomfort by easing distress and providing supportive relief. This medicine is commonly used when short-term symptomatic assistance is needed during phases where the patient experiences heightened discomfort.

Regulatory References

  1. US National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) label information)

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Clarinase-12 contains the active ingredients Loratadine and Pseudoephedrine. Eligibility for its use is strictly governed by regulatory documentation, which defines specific populations who are allowed to use the medicine and those who are prohibited or restricted.


Eligibility Scope

Population Status Official Regulatory Stated Rule
Allowed Adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older who have no contraindications.
Not Recommended Children under 12 years of age; patients 60 years of age or older; individuals with impaired hepatic or renal function.
Contraindicated Patients with severe hypertension, severe coronary artery disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, or urinary retention.

Age and Comorbidity Rules

Age-Related Eligibility Rules: The safety and efficacy are not established for children under 12 years. Use is generally not recommended for the elderly (60+), who may have increased sensitivity to the pseudoephedrine component.

Condition-Specific Eligibility Rules: The medicine is contraindicated in patients with conditions like severe kidney disease, severe cardiovascular disease, and hyperthyroidism. Caution is advised for patients with diabetes mellitus or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate.

Pregnancy and Lactation: Use during pregnancy has not been established as safe. The medicine is generally not recommended for use by breastfeeding women, as both active ingredients are excreted into human milk.


Connection to the overall eligibility profile: Regulatory documents define who can and cannot use the medicine by establishing clear absolute contraindications for populations with severe cardiovascular or specific organ conditions. Eligibility is further restricted by age-group rules and organ function status, leading to the classification of many groups as not recommended.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official interaction profile for this combination product is primarily characterized by the effects of the sympathomimetic component, pseudoephedrine. Due to the potential for critical cardiovascular reactions, the use of this product is strictly restricted with several classes of medication.

Critical Interaction Restrictions

  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Co-administration with MAOIs is forbidden. A period of at least 14 days must elapse after stopping MAOI therapy before this product can be taken.
  • Vasoconstrictors and Ergot Alkaloids: Co-administration with other vasoconstrictors, including nasal decongestants (oral or nasal), and certain ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine) is not recommended due to the heightened risk of blood pressure increase.

Other Clinically Relevant Interactions

  • Antihypertensive Medicines: The efficacy of medicines used to treat high blood pressure may be reduced by the sympathomimetic component.
  • Digitalis: Caution is advised, as concomitant use may increase the risk of ectopic pacemaker activity.
  • Halogenated Volatile Anaesthetics: Due to the risk of an acute hypertensive episode, use must be managed carefully in the perioperative setting.
  • Gastrointestinal Agents: Antacids increase the rate of pseudoephedrine absorption, while kaolin decreases it.

Population Considerations

  • Due to increased sensitivity to sympathomimetic effects, caution is warranted when considering use in patients above 60 years of age.

Mechanism of Action

Modulating the Histamine-Driven Allergic Cascade

The antihistamine component, loratadine, acts as an inverse agonist at the peripheral Histamine H1 receptor. This interaction stabilizes the receptor in an inactive state, actively curtailing the signaling cascade initiated by the release of histamine. This mechanism contributes to reducing capillary leakage and fluid hypersecretion, while also dampening the neural signaling that transmits peripheral neural stimuli associated with allergic response.


Activating Sympathetic Vascular Tone

The decongestant component, pseudoephedrine, operates within the Sympathetic Vascular System by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors on the nasal mucosa's blood vessels. This action triggers localized vasoconstriction, causing the blood vessels to narrow. The resulting physiological consequence is a reduction in the volume of the swollen mucosal tissue, which results in the physical augmentation of sinonasal airway dimensions.


Integrated Dual-Pathway Modulation

This system engages both the immunological (histamine) and the autonomic (adrenergic) pathways simultaneously. This integrated approach supports the modulation of the underlying allergic signal alongside the reduction of the physical edema that characterizes vascular engorgement. This combination is relevant in systems where the dysregulated allergic response involves both mediator release and significant vascular consequences.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to use Clarinase-12

Clarinase-12 is an Extended-Release Tablet (Loratadine 5 mg / Pseudoephedrine Sulfate 120 mg) designed for oral use. The medicine is administered according to strict protocols established to ensure the controlled delivery of its two active components over a prolonged duration.


Official Dosing and Administration

Feature Official Use Instruction
Route of Administration Oral use only.
Standard Dosing Schedule One tablet ( 5 mg / 120 mg) twice daily (every 12 hours).
Maximum Dose Two tablets per 24-hour period.
With or Without Food May be taken with or without food.

Procedural Instructions and Course Duration

To ensure the proper function of the extended-release mechanism, the tablet must be swallowed whole. It is essential not to break, crush, or chew the tablet, as this would compromise the slow release of the active ingredients.

Treatment with Clarinase-12 is generally intended for short-term use. The course of treatment should be kept as brief as possible, and use is commonly limited to 10 days. If symptoms of congestion subside, treatment may need to be continued with Loratadine alone, as directed by prescribing information.

Population-Specific Considerations

Specific guidance exists for certain patient populations:

  • Severe Renal Impairment: Established guidelines specify a reduced initial dose of one tablet daily.
  • Older Adults ( > 60 years): The medicine is generally not recommended for this age group in some regions due to lack of established safety and efficacy data.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Clarinase-12

Evidence for the Primary Use in Allergic Rhinitis

The core evidence for Loratadine/Pseudoephedrine is based on short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). These trials were primarily set up as double-blind studies, meaning neither the participants nor the research team knew who was receiving the combination medicine and who was receiving an inactive substance (placebo). This research examined how the combination was evaluated in trials exploring symptom change over time. Studies were applied in research contexts involving fluctuating symptoms in Adults and Adolescents 12 years of age and older who were dealing with symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including both seasonal (hay fever) and year-round (perennial) types.


The outcomes measured in these studies were related to physical discomfort and daily functioning or activity level. Researchers closely monitored changes in overall symptom scores, specifically tracking congestion, sneezing, nasal itching, and a runny nose. Beyond tracking symptoms reported by patients, studies also monitored objective measures such as assessments of nasal patency (how open the nasal passages were) and changes in nasal edema and secretions. For instance, Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses consolidated data from these trials and reported observed patterns across the combination drug class compared to placebo, related to symptom metrics.

Evidence in Patients with Concomitant Mild Asthma

Specific research has also examined the use of this medicine in a defined subgroup of people: those with allergic rhinitis who also have mild, stable asthma. These studies, often also RCTs, are relevant in trials assessing short-term or episodic symptom patterns in patients with this co-existing condition. In addition to measuring allergic and congestive outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance, these trials also monitored pulmonary function markers, such as peak flow rates. The research describes how respiratory function was observed in this specific, limited population over defined time intervals, typically up to six weeks.

Duration of Evidence and Long-Term Follow-up

The vast majority of the research that informs regulatory understanding of this medicine is based on short-term observation periods. Most efficacy trials track changes in symptoms for periods ranging from two to six weeks. Long-term effects are not fully established based on the current body of evidence. Studies focused on continuous use extending beyond several weeks are limited, and there is limited information for long-term outcomes.

Key Studies & References

  1. Loratadine and Pseudoephedrine Sulfate Extended-Release Tablets, USP (DailyMed Label Information)
  2. Loratadine-Pseudoephedrine vs. Placebo in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Asthma

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Clarinase-12 (FAQ)


Q: How should I store Clarinase-12?

Official product information states that Clarinase-12 tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature, typically between 20 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F). Brief temperature variations are usually permitted, but it should be kept secured and out of the reach of children.


Q: Who should not take Clarinase-12?

Regulatory documents indicate that Clarinase-12 is contraindicated. This means its use is generally not recommended in patients with a known hypersensitivity (severe allergic reaction) to the active substance or its ingredients. It is also generally contraindicated for individuals diagnosed with severe hepatic impairment, which relates to a significant liver function issue.


Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking Clarinase-12?

Warnings in the official labeling state that combining Clarinase-12 with alcohol may increase the risk of central nervous system (CNS) adverse reactions, such as dizziness or drowsiness. The regulatory documents suggest limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption while using this medicine.


Q: Can I take Clarinase-12 if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Based on available safety data from case reports, no drug-associated risk of major birth defects or other adverse outcomes has been identified in pregnancy. Official information also states that the drug is excreted in human milk, and the potential effects this may have on a breastfed infant are currently unknown.


Q: Does Clarinase-12 make you sleepy or dizzy?

Clinical studies summarized in the regulatory documents report that dizziness, somnolence (sleepiness), and fatigue have occurred as common adverse reactions. These effects are classified as 'undesirable effects' in the official information.


Q: Can children 2 years old use Clarinase-12?

According to the official product labeling, the approved uses and corresponding dosage recommendations for Clarinase-12 are established for adults and for pediatric patients who are aged 12 years and older. Safety and effectiveness have not been demonstrated in children younger than 12 years of age.

How should Clarinase-12 be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Clarinase-12

The storage and handling of Clarinase-12 (Loratadine and Pseudoephedrine Sulfate extended-release tablets) must comply with official regulatory labeling to maintain product stability.

Storage Conditions

Requirement Specification
Temperature Range Store at controlled room temperature, between 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).
Protection Keep in a dry place and protect from light. Do not store in high-humidity areas like a bathroom.
Packaging Keep the tablets in the original blister pack. Do not use if the seal is broken, torn, or shows signs of tampering.
Child Safety Mandatory instruction to keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Expired or unused tablets must be disposed of correctly. Regulatory instructions require asking a pharmacist for guidance on proper discarding procedures. The medication should not be flushed down the toilet.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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