| What is the most important information I should know about Clarinex?
Do not take Clarinex if you are allergic to desloratadine or to loratadine (Claritin).
Before taking Clarinex, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver or kidney disease.
Do not give Clarinex to a child younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Clarinex disintegrating tablets (Claritin RediTabs) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of Clarinex if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Clarinex can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Clarinex?
Do not take Clarinex if you are allergic to desloratadine or to loratadine (Claritin).
Before taking Clarinex, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
* kidney disease; or
* liver disease.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Clarinex, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Clarinex can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Clarinex without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Clarinex disintegrating tablets (Claritin RediTabs) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of Clarinex if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
How should I take Clarinex?
Take Clarinex exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Clarinex is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Clarinex can be taken with or without food.
Measure the liquid form of Clarinex with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
To take Clarinex orally disintegrating tablet:
*
Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.
*
Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it on your tongue. It will begin to dissolve right away.
*
Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
*
Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink water to help swallow the dissolved tablet.
Store Clarinex at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Clarinex RediTabs should be protected from light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness and fast heart rate.
What should I avoid while taking Clarinex?
Clarinex can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Clarinex side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
*
fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
*
fever, flu symptoms;
*
seizure (convulsions); or
*
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may include:
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headache;
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nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach;
*
sore throat, dry mouth;
*
dizziness, tired feeling; or
*
muscle pain, menstrual cramps.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Clarinex?
There may be other drugs that can affect Clarinex. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
* Your pharmacist has information about Clarinex written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Desloratadine is available with a prescription under the brand names Clarinex and Clarinex RediTabs. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about Clarinex, especially if it is new to you.
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Clarinex 5 mg-light blue, film-coated tablets
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Clarinex Reditabs 5 mg-pink tablets
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