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Desloratadine Coupon - Desloratadine 5mg tablet

desloratadine

Generic Clarinex
Used for Allergic Rhinitis, Hives
Used for Allergic Rhinitis, Hives

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on May 2, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

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.

Are you looking for information on loratadine (Claritin) or Clarinex-D (desloratadine / pseudoephedrine) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsClarinex
Drug ClassAntihistamine
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the 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%)

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

Source: DailyMed

The following 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

dry mouth

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

nausea

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.

See more Clarinex (desloratadine) side effects
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Clarinex (desloratadine)

thumbs-up

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)

thumbs-down

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

Pharmacist tips for Clarinex (desloratadine)

pharmacist

  • 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).

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Clarinex (desloratadine)

            How long does it take for Clarinex (desloratadine) to work?
            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.
            How long does Clarinex (desloratadine) last?
            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.
            Can I use Clarinex (desloratadine) only when I need it?
            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).
            Does Clarinex (desloratadine) cause drowsiness?
            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).
            What's the difference between Clarinex (desloratadine) and loratadine (Claritin)?
            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.
            Is Clarinex (desloratadine) safe in pregnancy?
            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.
            Is it safe to take Clarinex (desloratadine) while breastfeeding?
            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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            What are the 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.

            risk-warning

            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.

              risk-warning

              Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) -

              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.

              dosage

              Clarinex (desloratadine) dosage forms

              The average cost for 30 tablets of 5mg of Clarinex (desloratadine) is $22.24 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 78.48% off the average retail price of $103.37.
              orally disintegrating tab
              Orally disintegrating tab
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              2.5mg30 orally disintegrating tabs$61.67$2.06
              5mg30 orally disintegrating tabs$52.72$1.76
              tablet
              Tablet
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              5mg30 tablets$22.24$0.74
              See more Clarinex (desloratadine) dosage
              interactions

              Interactions between Clarinex (desloratadine) and other drugs

              Clarinex (desloratadine) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Clarinex (desloratadine). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

              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
              See more Clarinex (desloratadine) interactions
              drug-cost

              How much does Clarinex (desloratadine) cost?

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              Clarinex (brand)
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              contraindications-icon

              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.
              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Clarinex (desloratadine)?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Clarinex (desloratadine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              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

              $22.24 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
              Used for:

              • Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat)

              • Relief of itchiness due to chronic (long-term) hives in children ages 6 months to under 6 years old - certain liquid solutions only

              $2.79 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Loratadine (Claritin)
              Used for:

              • Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes)

              $5.95 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              latest news

              What is the latest news about Clarinex (desloratadine)?

              Antihistamines are used to treat allergy symptoms. But did you know they can also treat hives, anxiety, and more? Learn everything antihistamines can do here.

              8 Surprising Antihistamine Uses Beyond Allergy Relief

              Antihistamines are used to treat allergy symptoms. But did you know they can also treat hives, anxiety, and more? Learn everything antihistamines can do here.
              Dry mouth isn’t just an annoyance, it can lead to serious dental issues if left untreated. Read on to see which medications are most likely to cause dry mouth.

              Is Your Medication Causing Dry Mouth?

              Dry mouth isn’t just an annoyance, it can lead to serious dental issues if left untreated. Read on to see which medications are most likely to cause dry mouth.
              Allergic conjunctivitis is the medical term for red, itchy eyes caused by allergies. Learn more about the many different types of eye drops for allergies.

              Which Allergy Eye Drops Are Best for Red, Itchy Eyes and Allergic Conjunctivitis?

              Allergic conjunctivitis is the medical term for red, itchy eyes caused by allergies. Learn more about the many different types of eye drops for allergies.
              You can get allergy relief without being put to sleep. Review how the best non-drowsy antihistamines, such as Allegra and Claritin, work.

              Is There a Non-Drowsy Benadryl? No, But Here Are the Best Non-Drowsy Antihistamines

              You can get allergy relief without being put to sleep. Review how the best non-drowsy antihistamines, such as Allegra and Claritin, work.
              To reduce the use of expensive medications, insurers have long relied on step therapy, a restriction on insurance coverage that requires patients to prove that less-expensive drugs are ineffective before getting coverage for a more expensive, higher-tier drug. Here’s what step therapy looks like.

              What is Step Therapy? How to Get Insurance to Pay for Your ‘Non-Preferred’ Medication

              To reduce the use of expensive medications, insurers have long relied on step therapy, a restriction on insurance coverage that requires patients to prove that less-expensive drugs are ineffective before getting coverage for a more expensive, higher-tier drug. Here’s what step therapy looks like.
              Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so it’s advisable to time your dose. Here’s the best time to take antihistamines, plus more tips for managing side effects.

              5 Pharmacist-Backed Tips for Taking Antihistamines

              Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so it’s advisable to time your dose. Here’s the best time to take antihistamines, plus more tips for managing side effects.
              images

              Clarinex (desloratadine) images

              Red Round D17 And M - Desloratadine 5mg Tablet
              This medicine is Red, Round Tablet Imprinted With "M" And "D17".Red Round D17 And M - Desloratadine 5mg Tablet
              Blue Round S71 And Lu - Desloratadine 5mg Tablet
              This medicine is Blue, Round Tablet Imprinted With "S71" And "Lu".Blue Round S71 And Lu - Desloratadine 5mg Tablet
              Blue Round D - Desloratadine 5mg Tablet
              This medicine is Blue, Round Tablet Imprinted With "D".Blue Round D - Desloratadine 5mg Tablet
              Blue Round D - Desloratadine 5mg Tablet
              This medicine is Blue, Round Tablet Imprinted With "D".Blue Round D - Desloratadine 5mg Tablet

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              References

              Best studies we found

              Patel, R. H., et al. (2023). Biochemistry, histamine. StatPearls.

              Virtus Pharmaceuticals. (2020). DESLORATADINE- desloratadine tablet [package insert].

              Lupin Pharmaceuticals. (2020). DESLORATADINE tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

              View All References (10)

              Seidman, M. D., et al. (2015). Clinical practice guideline: Allergic rhinitis. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

              Church, D. S., et al. (2011). Pharmacology of antihistamines. World Allergy Organization Journal.

              Casale, T. B., et al. (2003). First do no harm: Managing antihistamine impairment in patients with allergic rhinitis. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

              Borowy, C. S., et al. (2023). Antihistamine toxicity. StatPearls.

              Lieberman, P., et al. (2008). Antihistamines. Clinical Immunology (Third Edition).

              Salmun, L. M., et al. (2002). 24-hour efficacy of once-daily desloratadine therapy in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis [ISRCTN32042139]. BMC Family Practice.

              Church, D. S., et al. (2011). Pharmacology of antihistamines. World Allergy Organization Journal.

              American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. (2020). Desloratadine use in pregnancy was not associated with fetal risk.

              Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). (2021). Desloratadine. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

              National Human Genome Research Institute. (2014). About phenylketonuria.

              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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