Clarinex and Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a common Clarinex side effect, affecting up to 3 percent of people who take Clarinex. And dry mouth appears to affect adults more than children. There are several simple home remedies for dry mouth, including using a humidifier at night; sipping water or sugarless drinks often; and avoiding caffeinated drinks, tobacco, alcohol, and spicy or salty foods.

 

Clarinex and Dry Mouth: An Overview

Dry mouth is one of the most common side effects with Clarinex® (desloratadine). Up to 3 percent of people taking Clarinex experience a dry mouth. In clinical studies, a dry mouth appeared to be more common in adults than in children.
 

Clarinex and Dry Mouth: Recommendations

There are things that people taking Clarinex can do to help deal with a dry mouth. Some of these suggestions include:
 
  • Sip water or sugarless drinks often.
  • Sip water or sugarless drinks during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier. It may also improve the taste of food.
  • Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.
  • Avoid tobacco or alcohol. They dry out the mouth.
  • Use a humidifier at night.
  • Be aware of spicy or salty foods that may cause pain in a dry mouth.
  • Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; cinnamon or mint-flavored candies are good choices.
     

Clarinex Dry Mouth: A Summary

If you have a dry mouth while taking Clarinex and the suggestions above do not help, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider. He or she may be able to recommend treatment options, such as artificial saliva. Also, depending on how severe your dry mouth is, he or she may recommend that you adjust your Clarinex dosage or try another medicine.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;