Generic Clarinex

Clarinex, which is generically prescribed as desloratadine, is commonly used to treat the symptoms of allergies, such as itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing and coughing. Clarinex is part of the family of drugs known as antihistamines.

Clarinex is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be assessed prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history that includes an allergic reaction antihistamines, liver disease, or kidney disease may not be able to take Clarinex or may require careful monitoring depending on condition and the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration has rated this medication as a pregnancy risk category C, which means the it has yet to be determined whether or not Clarinex will cause harm or birth defects to an unborn baby. Clarinex has been proven to pass through the mother’s breast milk and is likely to affect a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should discuss whether the benefits outweigh the risks prior to prescribing this medication to a pregnant or nursing woman.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Clarinex, some of which are severe. A patient experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms that includes facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects which require immediate emergency medical attention include irregular heart rates, fast heart rates, or chest pain.

Other less serious side effect typically do not require emergency medical treatment but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, dry throat, and muscles aches. Less serious side effects can often be reduced to a tolerable level by reducing the dosage of Clarinex.

Clarinex should be taken exactly as it has been prescribed by the prescribing physician. If the patient misses a dose, the dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid the potential for an overdose. The patient should never take a double dose of Clarinex. If an overdose is suspected the patient should seek immediate emergency medical treatment. An overdose will present with symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, and irregular heart rate.

There is a risk of negative drug interactions associated with Clarinex. A thorough medical history should be understood prior to prescribing Clarinex. Medications that are known to negatively interact with Clarinex include antacids containing magnesium or aluminum. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications including over the counter medication and herbal remedies.

Patients should be warned that sudden onset dizziness is possible while taking Clarinex. Patients should exercise care when operating machinery or driving a car when taking Clarinex, especially in the first few weeks of drug therapy.

Patients should report to their prescribing physician if there is no improvement in their condition within about two weeks. They should be discouraged from taking additional medications or increasing the amount of Clarinex.