Clarinex is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Clarinex is used to treat the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. It is also used to treat skin hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions.
Clarinex may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not take Clarinex if you are allergic to desloratadine or to loratadine (Claritin).
Before taking Clarinex, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver or kidney disease.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Desloratadine disintegrating tablets (Clarinex RediTabs) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of desloratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Clarinex if you are allergic to desloratadine or to loratadine (Claritin).
To make sure you can safely take Clarinex, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
- kidney disease; or
- liver disease.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Clarinex is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Clarinex can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Clarinex without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Desloratadine disintegrating tablets (Clarinex RediTabs) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of desloratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.
How should I take Clarinex?
Take Clarinex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Clarinex is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor"s instructions.
Do not crush, chew, or break the regular Clarinex tablet. Swallow the pill whole.
Measure the liquid form of Clarinex with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
To take desloratadine orally disintegrating tablet (Clarinex RediTabs):
-
Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.
-
Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it on your tongue. It will begin to dissolve right away.
-
Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
-
Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink water to help swallow the dissolved tablet.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
Store Clarinex at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include fast heart rate.
What should I avoid?
Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using Clarinex.
Clarinex side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Clarinex: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
-
fever, flu symptoms;
-
seizure (convulsions); or
-
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious Clarinex side effects may include:
-
dry mouth, sore throat, cough;
-
muscle pain;
-
drowsiness, tired feeling;
-
nausea, diarrhea; or
-
headache;
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Clarinex?
There may be other drugs that can interact with Clarinex. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
