The following information is a summary about Clarinex. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Why is this Clarinex medication prescribed?
Clarinex/Desloratadine is used to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms, including sneezing; runny nose; and red, itchy, tearing eyes. Clarinex is also used to treat hives. Desloratadine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. Clarinex works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Clarinex/Desloratadine may cause less drowsiness than other antihistamines.
How should this Clarinex medicine be used?
Clarinex/Desloratadine comes as a tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet to take by mouth. Clarinex is usually taken once a day with or without food. Follow the Clarinex directions on your Clarinex prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or Clarinex pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Clarinex/desloratadine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Clarinex or take Clarinex more often than prescribed by your doctor.
To take the orally disintegrating Clarinex tablet, use dry hands to peel back the foil packaging. Immediately take out the Clarinex tablet and place it on your tongue. The Clarinex tablet will quickly dissolve and can be swallowed with saliva. Orally disintegrating Clarinex tablets may be taken with or without water.
What special Clarinex precautions should I follow?
Before taking Clarinex/desloratadine,
tell your doctor and Clarinex pharmacist if you are allergic to Clarinex/desloratadine, loratadine (Claritin), or any other medications.
tell your doctor and Clarinex pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease or phenylketonuria (for orally disintegrating tablets).
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Clarinex/desloratadine, call your doctor.
Clarinex Side Effects
Clarinex/Desloratadine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these Clarinex symptoms are severe or do not go away:
headache
upset stomach
dizziness
sore throat
dry mouth
muscle pain
extreme tiredness
painful menstruation
Some Clarinex side effects can be serious. The following Clarinex symptom is uncommon, but if you experience it, call your doctor immediately:
difficulty breathing
Clarinex/Desloratadine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What should I do if I forget a Clarinex dose?
Take the missed Clarinex dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Clarinex dose, skip the missed Clarinex dose and continue your regular Clarinex dosing schedule. Do not take a double Clarinex dose to make up for a missed one.
What other Clarinex information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to Clarinex.
Do not let anyone else take your Clarinex medication. Ask your Clarinex pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your Clarinex prescription.
Other uses for this Clarinex medicine
This Clarinex medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Clarinex information.
What storage conditions are needed for Clarinex?
Keep Clarinex in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Clarinex at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Clarinex medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Clarinex medication.
In case of Clarinex emergency/overdose
In case of Clarinex overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
