Clarinex (Desloratadine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 3, 2012

Clarinex

Allergy »

Allergy facts

Allergy involves an exaggerated response of the immune system.
The immune system is the body's organized defense mechanism against foreign invaders, particularly infections.
Allergens are substances that are foreign to the body and can cause an allergic reaction.
IgE is the allergy antibody.
Allergies can develop at any age.
Your risk of developing allergies is related to your parents' allergy history.

Introduction

In this review you will learn how allergy relates to the immune system. You will begin understanding how and why certain people become allergic. The most common allergic diseases are discussed briefly in this article.

What does an allergy mean?

An allergy refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. It is exaggerated because these f...

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CLARINEX®
(desloratadine) Tablets, Syrup, Reditabs® Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

CLARINEX (desloratadine) Tablets are light blue, round, film coated tablets containing 5 mg desloratadine, an antihistamine, to be administered orally. It also contains the following excipients: dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate USP, microcrystalline cellulose NF, corn starch N F, talc USP, carnauba wax N F, white wax NF, coating material consisting of lactose monohydrate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, and FD&C Blue #2 Aluminum Lake.

CLARINEX (desloratadine) Syrup is a clear orange colored liquid containing 0.5 mg/1 mL desloratadine. The syrup contains the following inactive ingredients: propylene glycol USP, sorbitol solution USP, citric acid (anhydrous) USP, sodium citrate dihydrate USP, sodium benzoate N F, disodium edetate USP, purified water USP. It also contains granulated sugar, natural and artificial flavor for bubble gum and FDC Yellow #6 dye.

The CLARINEX RediTabs® brand of desloratadine orally-disintegrating tablets are light red, flat-faced, round, speckled tablets with an “A” debossed on one side for the 5 mg tablets and a “K” debossed on one side for the 2.5 mg tablets. Each RediTabs Tablet contains either 5 mg or 2.5 mg of desloratadine. It also contains the following inactive ingredients: mannitol USP, microcrystalline cellulose N F, pregelatinized starch, N F, sodium starch glycolate, N F, magnesium stearate N F, butylated methacrylate copolymer, crospovidone, NF, aspartame N F, citric acid USP, sodium bicarbonate USP, colloidal silicon dioxide, N F, ferric oxide red NF and tutti frutti flavoring.

Desloratadine is a white to off-white powder that is slightly soluble in water, but very soluble in ethanol and propylene glycol. It has an empirical formula: C₁₉H₁₉ClN₂ and a molecular weight of 310.8. The chemical name is 8-chloro-6,11-dihydro-11-(4-piperdinylidene)-5H-benzo[5,6]cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyridine and has the following structure:

CLARINEX®
(desloratadine) Structural Formula Illustration

What are the possible side effects of desloratadine (Clarinex, Clarinex Reditabs)?

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;

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Clarinex »

What are the precautions when taking desloratadine (Clarinex)?

Before taking desloratadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to loratadine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease.

Limit alcohol intake, as it may intensify drug side effects.

Desloratadine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before...

Read All Potential Precautions of Clarinex »

Last reviewed on RxList: 7/10/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.