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Clarinex

Generic Name: Desloratadine (DES-lor-A-ta-deen)Brand Name: Clarinex

Clarinex is used for:

Treating the symptoms of allergic conditions (eg, itchy/watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, hives). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Clarinex is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the action of histamine, which reduces the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Do NOT use Clarinex if:

  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Clarinex or to loratadine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Clarinex :

Some medical conditions may interact with Clarinex . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
  • if you have had a severe allergic reaction to loratadine
  • if you have kidney or liver problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Clarinex . However, no specific interactions with Clarinex are known at this time.

Ask your health care provider if Clarinex may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Clarinex :

Use Clarinex as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

  • Take Clarinex by mouth with or without food.
  • If you miss a dose of Clarinex and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Clarinex .

Important safety information:

  • Clarinex may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Clarinex with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
  • Clarinex should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Clarinex while you are pregnant. Clarinex is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Clarinex .

Possible side effects of Clarinex :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dizziness; muscle pain; nausea; sore throat; tiredness; upset stomach.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); dark urine; fast or irregular heartbeat; pale stools; seizures; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; difficulty breathing; drowsiness; fast heartbeat; hallucinations; inability to sleep; loss of consciousness; tremor.

Proper storage of Clarinex :

Store Clarinex between 36 and 77 degrees F (2 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Avoid storage at above 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Clarinex out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

  • If you have any questions about Clarinex , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • Clarinex is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Clarinex . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Clarinex Prescribing Information (FDA)
  • Clarinex Consumer Overview
  • Clarinex Detailed Consumer Information (PDR)
  • Clarinex Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
  • Desloratadine Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)