Clarinex
® (
desloratadine) is a prescription medication used to treat
allergies and hives. It is part of a class of medicines called antihistamines. This medication is also available with a decongestant under the brand name
Clarinex-D®.
Clarinex is manufactured by Schering.
What Is Clarinex Used For?
This medication has been licensed for several uses, including:
- Treatment of chronic (long-term) hives and itching (known medically as chronic urticaria).
When you come into contact with something you're allergic to, a chain reaction begins inside your body. During this chain reaction, special cells release powerful chemicals. Some of these chemicals can trigger swelling of the nasal passages, leading to nasal congestion (a "stuffy" nose). Other chemicals, such as histamine, can cause sneezing, itching, and irritation.
Clarinex is part of a class of drugs called antihistamines. As the name implies, 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.
Prior to the approval of Clarinex in the United States, numerous clinical studies were conducted in over 4,000 adults and children. This included studies looking at the effects of Clarinex on seasonal allergy symptoms, perennial allergy symptoms, and chronic urticaria. In these studies, people taking the drug had improved relief, compared to the group of people not taking the medicine. For
allergy relief, this improvement was measured based on a symptom score that looked at changes in the following symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy nose and throat
- Itchy, watery, and red eyes.
For chronic hives, the symptom score measured changes in itching and number of hives.
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general guidelines regarding when and how to take Clarinex include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken once a day.
- You should take your Clarinex dose with a glass of water, with or without food.
- Clarinex also comes in an orally disintegrating tablet or syrup. These forms may be taken with or without water and with or without food.
- The medication should be taken at the same time every day to help maintain an even level in the blood. Do not take it more often than directed.
- For Clarinex to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Clarinex your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- What you are being treated for
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
(Click Clarinex Dosage for more information about dosing guidelines in adults and children.)
As with any medicine, side effects can occur with Clarinex. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug well. If people do develop side effects, in most cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
Based on clinical studies, the most common side effects occurring in either adults or children are:
(Click Clarinex Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Clarinex?
You should talk with your healthcare provider before taking this drug if you have:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Phenylketonuria (if taking the orally disintegrating tablet).
In addition, let your healthcare provider know if you:
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Finally, make sure to contact your healthcare provider or 911 immediately if you experience any difficulty breathing or swallowing.
What If I Take an Overdose?
If you happen to take too much Clarinex, seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include:
- Excessive sleepiness
- Increased heart rate.
How Should I Store Clarinex?
Clarinex should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture. This includes both the tablets and syrup.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take a dose of Clarinex, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosing schedule. Never take a double dose.
Clarinex is available in several strengths and forms. They include:
- Clarinex 5 mg tablet
- Clarinex RediTabs® 2.5 mg -- orally disintegrating tablet
- Clarinex RediTabs 5 mg -- orally disintegrating tablet
- Clarinex syrup 2.5 mg/5 mL -- each teaspoon (5 mL) contains 2.5 mg.
There are currently no generic versions of Clarinex available for sale
(see Generic Clarinex for more information).
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