Clarinex

Clarinex (Desloratadine)

General information

Clarinex is an antihistamine that provides relief of seasonal allergy symptoms and allergic nasal conditions (rhinitis) such as runny nose, sneezing, and watery or itching eyes. It may also be used to treat hives. The drug blocks the effects of histamine. This can help with relief of allergy symptoms. However, since histamine is not involved with nasal congestion, Clarinex will not help open the nasal passages.

Directions

Take Clarinex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. For adults and children ages 12 and over, the dose is 5 mg, once a day. If you have kidney or liver disease, your doctor may recommend a starting dose of 5 mg every other day. The dose for children ages 6 to 11 years old is 2.5 mg once a day. The medication can be taken at any time during the day. However, it should be taken at the same time each day. Clarinex can be taken with or without food.

Precautions

Before taking Clarinex you should talk with your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, phenylketonuria, any allergies. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Limit alcohol intake, as it may intensify drug side effects.

Contraindications

You should not take Clarinex if you are allergic to desloratadine or to loratadine. It is not recommended in children under 2 years of age.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have nausea, fatigue, sore throat, dizziness, urinary tract infection, muscle pain (myalgia), dry mouth, excessive tiredness, headache, coughing, increased appetite, diarrhea, bronchitis, middle ear infection, menstrual pain, indigestion (dyspepsia), insomnia, fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), uneven heartbeat, seizure. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: ketoconazole, erythromycin. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are fast heart rate, drowsiness.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.