desloratadine

Pronunciation: DES lor A ta deen

Brand: Clarinex

Clarinex

slide 1 of 4, Clarinex,

5 mg, round, blue, imprinted with C5

Image of Clarinex
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Desloratadine

slide 2 of 4, Desloratadine,

5 mg, round, red, imprinted with M, D17

Image of Desloratadine
slide 2 of 4

Desloratadine

slide 3 of 4, Desloratadine,

5 mg, round, blue, imprinted with 5

Image of Desloratadine
slide 3 of 4

Clarinex

slide 4 of 4, Clarinex,

5 mg, round, blue, imprinted with C5

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

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is desloratadine?

Desloratadine is an antihistamine that is used to treat the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, watery eyes, itching, and runny nose.

Desloratadine is also used to treat skin hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions.

Desloratadine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to desloratadine or to loratadine (Claritin).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • kidney disease; or
  • liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I take desloratadine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take desloratadine with or without food.

Carefully follow your doctor's dosing instructions when giving this medicine to a child. Desloratadine should not be given to a child younger than 6 months old.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Remove an orally disintegrating tablet from the package only when you are ready to take the medicine. Place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve, without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Protect the liquid medicine from light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking desloratadine?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of desloratadine?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects may include:

  • dry mouth, sore throat;
  • muscle pain;
  • drowsiness, tiredness; or
  • menstrual pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect desloratadine?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

  • a cold or allergy medicine;
  • cimetidine;
  • fluoxetine (Prozac);
  • ketoconazole; or
  • an antibiotic --azithromycin (Z-Pak) or erythromycin.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect desloratadine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about desloratadine.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.