Desloratadine (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed
Desloratadine is used to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms, including sneezing; runny nose; and red, itchy, tearing eyes. It is also used to treat hives. Desloratadine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Desloratadine may cause less drowsiness than other antihistamines.

How this medication should be used
Desloratadine comes as a tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take desloratadine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To take the orally disintegrating tablet, use dry hands to peel back the foil packaging. Immediately take out the tablet and place it on your tongue. The tablet will quickly dissolve and can be swallowed with saliva. Orally disintegrating tablets may be taken with or without water.

Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special precautions
Before taking desloratadine:


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to desloratadine, loratadine (Claritin), or any other medications.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
 * tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease or phenylketonuria (for orally disintegrating tablets).
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking desloratadine, call your doctor.

Special dietary instructions
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What to do if you forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Minor side effects
Desloratadine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:


 * headache
 * upset stomach
 * dizziness
 * sore throat
 * dry mouth
 * muscle pain
 * extreme tiredness
 * painful menstruation

Severe side effects
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptom is uncommon, but if you experience it, call your doctor immediately:


 * difficulty breathing

Desloratadine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

 * Clarinex®
 * Clarinex® Reditabs®