Clarinex is an antihistamine that reduces 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.

What is the most important information I should know about Clarinex?

You should not take this medication 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).

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Clarinex?

You should not take this medication 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:

• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Clarinex.

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. 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.

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 this medication as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

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. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include fast heart rate.

Clarinex side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: 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 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. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect Clarinex?

There may be other drugs that can affect Clarinex. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

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