Clarinex - used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever

Clarinex®

Generic Name: desloratadine
Brand Names: Clarinex, Clarinex Reditabs

Drug Uses
Clarinex is an antihistamine used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis). Clarinex contains a long-acting tricyclic histamine antagonist with selective H1-receptor histamine antagonist activity.

How Taken
Clarinex comes in tablets to take by mouth. It can be taken with or without food and is usually taken once daily. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Clarinex exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Clarinex, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antihistamine; kidney disease; or liver disease. You may not be able to take Clarinex, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Clarinex is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Clarinex will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Clarinex without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Clarinex passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take Clarinex without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

Possible Side Effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Clarinex. More common side effects may include: dry mouth, fatigue, sleepiness, sore throat. Less common side effects may include: dizziness, dry throat, flu-like symptoms, muscle pain, nausea. Rare side effects may include: acute allergic reaction, hives, itching, rapid heartbeat, rash, shortness of breath, swelling.

Storage
Store at room temperature. Protect from heat. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Overdose
Little is known about the effects of a Clarinex overdose. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Clarinex overdose may include: rapid heartbeat, sleepiness.

More Information
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Although unlikely, Clarinex may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Desloratadine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Desloratadine 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.

Desloratadine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to desloratadine or to loratadine (Claritin).

Before taking desloratadine, 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 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.

Desloratadine disintegrating tablets (Claritin RediTabs) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of desloratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to desloratadine or to loratadine (Claritin).

Before taking desloratadine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

kidney disease
liver disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use desloratadine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Desloratadine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication 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.

Desloratadine disintegrating tablets (Claritin RediTabs) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of desloratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU.

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Desloratadine is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Desloratadine can be taken with or without food.

Measure the liquid form of desloratadine 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.

Store desloratadine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Clarinex RediTabs should be protected from light.