What is desloratadine?
Desloratadine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body.
Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Desloratadine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, watery eyes, and
runny nose. It is also used to treat skin hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions.
Desloratadine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking desloratadine?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to desloratadine or to loratadine
(Claritin).
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to
safely use this medication:
-
kidney disease; or
-
liver disease.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether desloratadine is
harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to
become pregnant during treatment.
Desloratadine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 18 years old without the advice of a
doctor.
Desloratadine disintegrating tablets (Clarinex RediTabs) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to
your doctor before using this form of desloratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a
doctor.
How should I take desloratadine?
Take this medication as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not take the
medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.
Desloratadine is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not crush, chew, or break the regular desloratadine tablet. Swallow the pill whole.
Measure the liquid form of desloratadine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a
regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
To take desloratadine orally disintegrating tablet (Clarinex RediTabs):
-
Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the
medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet
through the foil or you may damage the tablet.
-
Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it on your
tongue. It will begin to dissolve right away.
-
Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in
your mouth without chewing.
-
Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired,
you may drink water to help swallow the dissolved tablet.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
Store desloratadine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of desloratadine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
take
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about desloratadine?
Your pharmacist has information about desloratadine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of desloratadine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
-
fever, flu symptoms;
-
seizure (convulsions); or
-
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may include:
-
dry mouth, sore throat, cough;
-
muscle pain;
-
drowsiness, tired feeling;
-
nausea, diarrhea; or
-
headache;
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about desloratadine?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to desloratadine or to loratadine
(Claritin).
Before taking desloratadine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver
or kidney disease.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a
doctor.
Desloratadine disintegrating tablets (Clarinex RediTabs) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to
your doctor before using this form of desloratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
What should I avoid while taking desloratadine?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while
you are using desloratadine.
What other drugs will affect desloratadine?
There may be other drugs that can affect desloratadine. Tell your doctor about all the
prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling
your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of desloratadine?