Desloratadine is an antihistamine. Antihistamines prevent sneezing, runny nose, itching and watering of the eyes, and other allergic symptoms.

Desloratadine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies.

Desloratadine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Take desloratadine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each regular tablet with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Place a desloratadine orally-disintegrating-tablets (Clarinex Reditabs) on the tongue and allow it dissolve. The tablet will disintegrate rapidly. Swallow with or without water. Take the desloratadine orally-disintegrating tablets immediately after removal from the blister packaging. Do not store for later use.

Desloratadine can be taken with or without food.

Desloratadine is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Never take more of this medication than directed. If your symptoms do not improve, talk to your doctor.

Store desloratadine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Avoid exposing the medication to temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius ).

There are no known interactions between desloratadine and other medications. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, during treatment with desloratadine.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Although unlikely, desloratadine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a desloratadine overdose are not well known but may include drowsiness.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Although unlikely, desloratadine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Before taking desloratadine, tell your doctor if you have

• ever had an allergic reaction to an antihistamine;

• kidney disease; or

• liver disease.

You may not be able to take desloratadine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Desloratadine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether desloratadine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take desloratadine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Desloratadine passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take desloratadine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Your pharmacist has additional information about desloratadine written for health professionals that you may read.

Desloratadine is available with a prescription under the brand names Clarinex and Clarinex Reditabs. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Clarinex 5 mg–light blue, film-coated tablets

• Clarinex Reditabs 5 mg–pink tablets