Clarinex Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Clarinex Tablet contains desloratadine, an antihistamine (H1-receptor antagonist). It is used to relieve nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, as well as itching and hives associated with chronic idiopathic urticaria. It works by blocking histamine, a chemical the body releases during allergic reactions. It is available as a tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet (RediTabs), and an oral solution.

What is Clarinex Tablet

Clarinex is a prescription antihistamine tablet that contains desloratadine. It reduces the effects of histamine, a natural chemical in the body that causes allergy symptoms.

Clarinex Tablet uses

• Relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in people 2 years and older
• Relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis in people 6 months and older
• Symptomatic relief of itching, and reduction in the number and size of hives in people with chronic idiopathic urticaria 6 months and older

Benefits of Clarinex Tablet

• Reduces sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose caused by allergies
• Reduces itching and the number and size of hives in chronic skin reactions
• Starts working within about an hour and can last up to 24 hours

How Clarinex Tablet works

Clarinex blocks histamine, a chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction, which stops symptoms like itching, sneezing, runny nose, and hives from occurring or getting worse.

Clarinex Tablet dosage

Clarinex can be taken with or without food. Take it exactly as prescribed and follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not increase the dose or take it more often than prescribed.

If using the orally disintegrating tablet (RediTabs), remove it from the package only when ready to take it, place it on the tongue, and let it dissolve without chewing; it can be taken with or without water. Take the RediTabs tablet right away after opening the blister pack.

If using liquid medicine, measure the dose carefully with a proper dosing syringe or measuring device, not a kitchen spoon. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 months old.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose; do not take two doses at once.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet
• RediTabs (orally disintegrating tablet)
• Oral solution/syrup
• 5 mg strength

Side effects of Clarinex Tablet

Common

• Dry mouth
• Sore throat
• Muscle pain
• Drowsiness, tiredness
• Menstrual pain

Serious

• Allergic reaction with rash, itching, hives, or swelling of lips, tongue, face, or throat
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations
• Seizures
• Elevated liver enzymes or hepatitis (liver inflammation)

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to desloratadine or to loratadine.
• This medicine can cause serious allergic reactions including rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking it and get medical help right away if this happens.
• This medicine may contain phenylalanine, so tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
• Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without a doctor's advice, and never give it to a child younger than 6 months old.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine could harm an unborn baby.
• This medicine passes into breast milk, so talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you are taking it.
• People with kidney disease may need a lower dose. Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems before taking this medicine.
• People with liver disease may need a lower dose. Tell your doctor if you have liver problems before taking this medicine.

Storage

• Store CLARINEX Tablets between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C)
• CLARINEX Tablets are sensitive to heat. Do not store above 86°F (30°C)
• Protect CLARINEX Tablets from moisture
• Keep CLARINEX Tablets, RediTabs Tablets, and Oral Solution and all medicines out of the reach of children

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• If you think you've taken too much of this medicine, get medical help right away or contact your local poison control center.

Alternatives

• Loratadine
• Levocetirizine
• Fexofenadine