Claritin (Loratadine)

Clinical Pearls for Optometry Edition 2.1 - Chapter 1

Orals for Eye Care

Consult a definitive reference if you lack experience with a drug or if the patient has serious co-morbidity, reduced liver or renal function, or is pregnant or nursing.

A) Convert lbs to kilograms: (lb. −10%)/2 = kg

B) Antibiotic recommendations: listed in order of preference. See notes and warnings below

1) Lid problems

     · Ocular rosacea

     · Meibomian gland dysfunction

     · Hordeolum

     · Chlamydia

a) Doxycycline: inexpensive, effective, classic

b) Zithromax: moderate price, use if tetracycline problems or you want simple dosing for an acute problem

c) Biaxin: expensive, third choice

d) Tetracycline and erythromycin, inexpensive but not recommended

2) Acute infections with no fever or systemic Sx

· Preseptal cellulitis

· Dacryocystitis

· Hyperacute conjunctivitis

· Sinusitis

· Ear infections

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