Clarinex

Generic name: Desloratadine

Desloratadine tablets

What are desloratadine tablets?

DESLORATADINE (Clarinex) is an antihistamine. It relieves the symptoms of hay fever (sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes), and may help treat hives and associated itching of the skin.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma
• kidney disease
• liver disease or hepatitis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to desloratadine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take desloratadine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not chew the tablets. Desloratadine is taken once daily. This drug may be taken at any time during the day, with or without food. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take a dose as soon as you can, then go back to your regular dosing schedule the next day. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 2.25 degrees C (36.77 degrees F). Avoid excessive heat temperatures greater than 30 degrees C (86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What drug(s) may interact with desloratadine?

• erythromycin
• ketoconazole

In addition, the following medicines can make you feel drowsy:

• alcohol
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as alprazolam, diazepam or temazepam
• medicines for hay fever and other allergies
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• medicines for pain

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking desloratadine?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for checks on your progress. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve within several days.

Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how desloratadine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.

What side effects may I notice from using desloratadine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• fever
• seizures
• yellowing of skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness
• drowsiness or tiredness
• dry mouth
• muscle aches
• sore or dry throat