Clarinex

Desloratadine is an antihistamine used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and hives of the skin. 

This drug works by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine which is a neurotransmitter that can cause a local immune response such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and even asthma. 

This drug requires a prescription. Serious or possibly life-threatening side effects have been associated in the use of this drug.

Before taking this drug, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. 

Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. When this drug is taken in effective doses there is no discrepancy in the different side effects or problems in children than it does in adult. 

Serious or possibly life-threatening side effects have been associated with the use of this drug to children 4 years and below. This drug has been tested in the elderly, and it has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults. 

Adjustments in the dosage of the elderly may be required since these patients are more likely to have kidney or liver problems which may make them more sensitive to the effects of desloratadine. Adverse effects in animals have been reported but there are no adequate studies in pregnant women or animals. 

Studies have not determined any infant risk when taking this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional the potential risks and benefits before taking this drug while breastfeeding. 

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects. 

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription drugs. Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with magnesium is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. 

Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as Phenylketonuria, liver or kidney diseases.

This drug must be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. 

The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. This drug can be taken in multiple forms. Follow the specific instructions in the label or as advised by your healthcare professional. 

Adults and children 12 years of age and older with symptoms of chronic hives and hay fever are given 5 milligrams once a day. 2.5 mg once a day for children 6 to 11 years of age while use and dose in children 4 to 6 years of age must be determined by your healthcare professional. 

A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.

 Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. 

Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs

Consult with your healthcare professional if your symptoms do not improve or become worse within a few days. 

Be careful in taking this drug before driving, use machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous as this drug may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or decreased alertness.

Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur. 

Inform you healthcare provider immediately if you experience symptoms of 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. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. 

If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. 

If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.