CLARINEX

Who is Clarinex for ?

Desloratadine, an antihistamine, is used to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms, including sneezing; runny nose; and red, itchy, watery eyes in adults and children over 12 years of age. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Desloratadine treats allergy symptoms by preventing histamine from binding to histamine (H1) receptors, thereby blocking the histamine reaction. Histamine is a substance in the body that stimulates the production of mucus and the dilation of blood vessels. Allergy sufferers recognize histamine's effects as a runny nose and swollen nasal passages.

When should I be careful taking Clarinex ?

Before taking desloratadine,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to desloratadine or any other drugs
• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have taken loratadine (Claritin) in the past and experienced intolerable side effects
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially erythromycin (E-mycin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), medications for asthma or colds, medications for depression, muscle relaxants, pain medications, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and vitamins
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease
• 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
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking desloratadine
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Desloratadine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight

Side Effects

Although side effects from desloratadine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• sore throat
• dry mouth, nose, and throat
• drowsiness
• flu-like symptoms
• unusual tiredness
• muscle aches
• nausea
• dizziness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• Rash, itching
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• fast heart rate
• swelling of the ankles, lower legs, or other parts of the body