desloratadine
Clarinex (desloratadine) is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms. It comes as a tablet and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT). Clarinex (desloratadine) is typically less likely to cause side effects, like sleepiness, than some other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Clarinex (desloratadine) isn't over the counter (OTC), but instead is only available by prescription.
What is Clarinex (desloratadine)?
What is Clarinex (desloratadine) used for?
- Seasonal or year-round allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes)
- Long-term hives - some oral tablets only
How Clarinex (desloratadine) works
Clarinex (desloratadine) is an antihistamine. It blocks histamine, a natural chemical in your body that can cause allergy symptoms, like itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and hives. By blocking histamine, Clarinex (desloratadine) helps relieve allergy symptoms.
Drug facts
Side effects of Clarinex (desloratadine)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Sore throat (4%)
- Dry mouth (3%)
- Sleepiness (2%)
- Muscle pain (2%)
- Fatigue (2%)
Clarinex (desloratadine) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: itchy, red rash (hives); shortness of breath; chest tightness; swelling of lips, tongue, throat, face, or eyes
The following Clarinex (desloratadine) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Anaphylaxis, such as, cough, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, fast heartbeat, hives, itching, puffiness or swelling of eyelids or around the eyes or face or lips or tongue, shortness of breath, skin rash, tightness in chest, unusual tiredness or weakness, wheezing
dyspnea, such as, shortness of breath, difficult or labored breathing, tightness in chest, wheezing
edema, such as, swelling
pruritus, such as, itching skin
rash
tachycardia, such as, fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
urticaria, such as, hives or welts, itching, redness of skin, skin rash.
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Headache
Less common
Dizziness
dysmenorrhea, such as, difficult or painful menstruation
dyspepsia, such as, acid or sour stomach, belching, heartburn, indigestion, stomach discomfort , upset or pain,
fatigue, such as, unusual tiredness or weakness
myalgia, such as, joint pain, swollen joints, muscle aching or cramping, muscle pains or stiffness, difficulty in moving
pharyngitis, such as, body aches or pain, congestion, cough, dryness or soreness of throat, fever, hoarseness, runny nose, tender swollen glands in neck, trouble in swallowing, voice changes.
somnolence, such as, sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Clarinex (desloratadine)
Pros
- First-choice option for allergies
- Unlikely to cause sleepiness
- Only need to take once a day
- Available as a tablet and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT)
Cons
- Available by prescription only
- Might need a lower dose if you have liver or kidney problems because of risk of side effects
- Tablets aren't approved for use for children younger than 12 years old
- ODTs aren't approved for use for children younger than 6 years old
Pharmacist tips for Clarinex (desloratadine)
- Take Clarinex (desloratadine) with or without food.
- Instructions for the orally disintegrating tablet (ODT): Right after you take the tablet out of the blister packaging, place it on your tongue. Let it dissolve in your mouth before swallowing. You can take it with or without water.
- While Clarinex (desloratadine) typically causes less drowsiness than other antihistamines, it's possible to still feel a little sleepy while taking this medication.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Clarinex (desloratadine). This combination can raise your risk of feeling sleepy or dizzy.
- Don't start any new medications, especially other antihistamines, while you're taking Clarinex (desloratadine) without talking to your provider or pharmacist first. Taking more than one antihistamine medication can raise your risk of accidentally taking too much (overdose). This could lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening side effects, including extreme sleepiness, seizures, and hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real).
Common questions about Clarinex (desloratadine)
One study showed that Clarinex (desloratadine) typically starts working within 3 hours to relieve allergy symptoms. If you need quicker symptom relief, speak with your provider or pharmacist about whether there are other options while you're waiting for Clarinex (desloratadine) to start working.
Studies show that Clarinex (desloratadine) can help relieve allergy symptoms all day. This is why the medication is only taken once per day. If you're not getting enough symptom relief from Clarinex (desloratadine), talk with your provider or pharmacist about other ways to help with your allergies.
It's generally safe to use Clarinex (desloratadine) only when you need it if you have allergy symptoms once in a while. But if you have allergy symptoms on a daily basis (year-round or during certain seasons), it might be best to take it regularly according to the manufacturer's directions. Taking it every day helps you get the most allergy symptom relief from the medication. If you only have allergies once in a while, speak with your provider about how to best take Clarinex (desloratadine).
Clarinex (desloratadine) might cause drowsiness or sleepiness, but this side effect is relatively uncommon. In clinical studies, only 2% of people taking Clarinex (desloratadine) reported sleepiness as a side effect. Second-generation antihistamines, such as Clarinex (desloratadine), are generally less likely to cause drowsiness than older antihistamines, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
Clarinex (desloratadine) and loratadine (Claritin) are both second-generation antihistamines that work well to treat allergy symptoms. They're both less likely to cause sleepiness than diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Clarinex (desloratadine) and loratadine (Claritin) take a similar amount of time to start working (within about 3 hours) and last the whole day. While loratadine (Claritin) is available over the counter, Clarinex (desloratadine) requires a prescription. Discuss these options with your provider if you're not sure which medication would be better for you.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology states that Clarinex (desloratadine) is a safe alternative to the recommended first-choice antihistamine, chlorpheniramine, after the first trimester of pregnancy. Some people might prefer Clarinex (desloratadine) over chlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine (Benadryl) since it's less likely to cause side effects (e.g., sleepiness). If you're pregnant, discuss with your provider about the risks and benefits of taking Clarinex (desloratadine) before using to make sure it's safe for you and your unborn baby.
Antihistamines like Clarinex (desloratadine) are generally safe to take if you're breastfeeding. According to research, it's unlikely that the medication can affect your milk supply or cause side effects in a breastfed baby. But, always discuss with your provider about the risks and benefits of taking Clarinex (desloratadine) while breastfeeding to make sure that this medication is safe for you and your baby.
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Risks and warnings for Clarinex (desloratadine)
Clarinex (desloratadine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Allergic reactions
- Risk factors: Allergy to loratadine (Claritin)
Serious allergic reactions to Clarinex (desloratadine) are possible, including life-threatening problems like anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Let your provider know if you have an allergy to loratadine (Claritin) since it's chemically similar to Clarinex (desloratadine). If you notice hives, a rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using Clarinex (desloratadine), get medical help right away.
Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - ODT formulation only
The orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) contain phenylalanine, a component of the artificial sweetener aspartame. If you have a genetic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU), taking the ODT formulation of Clarinex (desloratadine) can be dangerous for you. Make sure to tell your provider and pharmacist about your full medical history before taking Clarinex (desloratadine). Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure whether the formulation of Clarinex (desloratadine) that you're prescribed is safe for you. There are other formulations of the medication that might be safer for you.
Clarinex (desloratadine) dosage
Ml of oral solution| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5mg/ml | 473 ml | $11,358.25 | $24.01 |
Orally disintegrating tab| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5mg | 30 orally disintegrating tabs | $61.67 | $2.06 |
| 5mg | 30 orally disintegrating tabs | $52.72 | $1.76 |
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5mg | 30 tablets | $18.56 | $0.62 |
Interactions between Clarinex (desloratadine) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Pitolisant
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Clarinex (desloratadine) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Clarinex (desloratadine) will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to loratadine (Claritin) or Clarinex (desloratadine)
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