Clarinex

Clarinex Drug Information

• Clarinex Overview

  Desloratadine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. It works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction.

• How to Use Clarinex

  Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking desloratadine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take Clarinex by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If you are using the rapidly-dissolving tablet, allow the tablet to dissolve on the tongue and then swallow, with or without water. Do not remove the tablet from the blister pack until right before using. If you are using the liquid form of Clarinex, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. The Dosage of Clarinex is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take Clarinex more often than directed. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

• Clarinex Precautions

  Before taking desloratadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to loratadine; or if you have any other allergies. Clarinex may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Clarinex, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,kidney disease, liver disease. Desloratadine does not usually cause drowsiness when used at recommended doses. However, do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Liquid products and the rapidly-dissolving tablets may contain sugar. The rapidly-dissolving tablets may also contain aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using Clarinex safely. During pregnancy, Clarinex should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Clarinex passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Clarinex Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Clarinex, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Clarinex Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Desloratadine is very similar to loratadine. Do not use medications containing loratadine while using desloratadine. Clarinex may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including allergy skin testing), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Clarinex.

• Clarinex Side Effects

  What are Clarinex side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Clarinex may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Clarinex as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Clarinex

  The side effects of Clarinex may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Clarinex. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Clarinex may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Clarinex, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Clarinex.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Clarinex, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Clarinex and the side effects associated with Clarinex are described in the following:

  Common Clarinex Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • pharyngitis
  • xerostomia
  • dysmenorrhea
  • pruritus of skin
  • myalgias
  • drowsy
  • fatigue
  • skin rash
  • headache disorder

  Less Frequent Clarinex Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • dyspepsia
  • dizziness
  • nausea

  Rare or Very Rare Clarinex Side Effects

  Severe

  • urticaria
  • tachycardia
  • dyspnea
  • anaphylaxis
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • hepatitis
  • hypersensitivity drug reaction
  • hyperbilirubinemia
  • acquired dystonia
  • extrapyramidal disease
  • motor tic disorder
  • seizure disorder
  • increased appetite

  Less Severe

  • edema
  • palpitations

• Clarinex Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Clarinex when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.