Generic Clarinex

Desloratadine is used to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms, including sneezing; runny nose; and red, itchy, tearing eyes. It is also used to treat hives. Desloratadine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.

Usage directions

Desloratadine comes as a tablet, oral solution (liquid), and an orally disintegrating tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take desloratadine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To take the orally disintegrating tablet, use dry hands to peel back the foil packaging. Immediately take out the tablet and place it on your tongue. The tablet will quickly dissolve and can be swallowed with saliva. Orally disintegrating tablets may be taken with or without water.

Other uses

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special precautions

Before taking desloratadine,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to desloratadine, loratadine (Claritin), or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and 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 desloratadine, call your doctor.

Food limitations and special diet when taking Desloratadine

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible side effects

Desloratadine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• upset stomach
• dizziness
• sore throat
• dry mouth
• muscle pain
• extreme tiredness
• painful menstruation

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptom is uncommon, but if you experience it, call your doctor immediately:

• difficulty breathing

Desloratadine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Storage and disposal of Desloratadine

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services.

Other important information

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about Clarinex which does not cover all possible drug integrations, directions or precautions. Information at our website cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with his health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.