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Overview: Desloratadine is an antihistamine that is taken to help treat allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, or an itchy nose or throat. It may also be taken to reduce itching and hives on the skin. Common side effects may include sore throat, dry mouth, muscle pain, or drowsiness. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, desloratadine also comes in a tablet that dissolves in your mouth.

Uses

What is desloratadine used for?

Desloratadine is commonly taken to help with the following.

Desloratadine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does desloratadine work (mechanism of action)?

Desloratadine is an antihistamine. It helps to reduce allergy symptoms, itching, and hives by blocking the effect of a substance in your body called histamine.

How is desloratadine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Clarinex

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 5 mg oral tablets
  • 2.5 mg, 5 mg orally disintegrating tablets

How should I store desloratadine?

Desloratadine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of desloratadine?

The most common side effects of desloratadine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Sore throat
  • Dry mouth
  • Muscle pain
  • Tiredness or drowsiness
  • Painful periods

There may be other side effects of desloratadine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of desloratadine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of desloratadine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Desloratadine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking desloratadine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use desloratadine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take desloratadine.

  • Clarinex
  • Desloratadine
  • Loratadine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific desloratadine products they stock.

What should I know about desloratadine before using it?

Do not take desloratadine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share desloratadine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep desloratadine out of the reach of children.

If you are taking desloratadine orally disintegrating tablets, place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve before swallowing. Take the tablet right away after removing it from the blister pack.

Some desloratadine products may have phenylalanine, which can be dangerous for people with a condition called phenylketonuria (PKU). If you have PKU, your body cannot break down phenylalanine. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the ingredients in the specific desloratadine product you have.

What should I tell my health care provider before using desloratadine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if desloratadine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following. 

  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Desloratadine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking desloratadine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how desloratadine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Desloratadine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop desloratadine.

Interactions

Does desloratadine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between desloratadine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect desloratadine. The risk of drowsiness may increase if you drink alcohol while taking desloratadine.

Does desloratadine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking desloratadine.

  • Ketoconazole, which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • Azithromycin (Zithromax and others) or erythromycin (Ery-Tab and others), which are medicines used for bacterial infections
  • Any other antihistamine, such as chlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which is a medicine commonly used to treat allergy symptoms
  • Fluoxetine, which is a medicine commonly used to treat depression
  • Cimetidine (Tagamet HB), which is a medicine used for heartburn

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with desloratadine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much desloratadine?

If you or someone else has taken too much desloratadine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of desloratadine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.