Desloratadine, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antihistamine

Generic and brand names: desloratadine, oral; Clarinex; Clarinex RediTabs; Clarinex Syrup (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the lining of the nose, mouth, and throat commonly known as hay fever). It is also taken to treat hives.

This medicine is less likely than other antihistamines to cause drowsiness. It is available without a prescription.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• liver or kidney problems
• phenylketonuria (PKU). The RediTabs contain phenylalanine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine comes in three dosage forms: a tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet (RediTabs), and a liquid. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as directed. You may take it with or without meals. It is usually taken only once a day. Do not take more, take it more often, or take it for longer than directed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as directed. If you are taking this medicine once a day and you miss a dose one day, do not take a double dose the next day.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: fast heartbeat, drowsiness.

What should I watch out for?

Although unlikely, this medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fast or irregular heartbeat, severe fatigue.

Other: Sore throat, dry mouth, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, cough.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

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Published by RelayHealth.
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