CLARINEX (Desloratadine) is an anti-histamine medication that is prescribed to treat allergic reactions including perennial and seasonal rhinitis (hay fever), skin allergies such as rashes and hives. CLARINEX (Desloratadine) is a long-acting Histamine (H2) receptor antagonist that prevents the binding of histamine in the receptors and also the histamine mediated allergic reactions. Histamine is a inflammatory mediator that causes smooth muscle contraction, mucus secretion; sneezing and CLARINEX (Desloratadine) can effectively prevent these problems. CLARINEX (Desloratadine) is similar to the Loratadine in pharmacological action but with fewer side effects. CLARINEX (Desloratadine) cannot cross the blood-brain barrier as like other anti-allergic drugs. CLARINEX (Desloratadine) is contraindicated in children less than 12 years.
Who should not take CLARINEX (Desloratadine)?
You should not take CLARINEX (Desloratadine) if you are allergic to CLARINEX (Desloratadine) or Loratadine. CLARINEX (Desloratadine) is contraindicated in patients with pre-existing medical conditions such as liver and/or kidney diseases, ECG anomalies with tachycardia and metabolic disorders including Phenylketonuria. According to Food and Drug Administration, CLARINEX (Desloratadine) is classified as Pregnancy category – C drug and hence it should be avoided in pregnancy. The pharmacological research reports suggests that CLARINEX (Desloratadine) can pass through the breast milk. If you are nursing mother, you should not take CLARINEX (Desloratadine).
CLARINEX (Desloratadine) Side Effects:
CLARINEX (Desloratadine) can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, general fatigue, paced heart beats, flu like symptoms with pharyngitis, indigestion, flatulence, episodic epilepsy or fits, hyperthermia, jaundice like symptoms, cough, muscular pain, behavioural disorders, pain periods in women, headache, nausea or vomiting, abdominal distension, alteration in sleep patterns, nose bleeding, ear ringing with or without internal ear infections and abnormal mood/emotional swings. Some of the rare but serious side effects of CLARINEX (Desloratadine) are life-threatening anaphylactic shock, abnormal neuro-motor functions, hepatitis, abnormal ECG pattern changes, sudden seizures and shock/collapse. Most of these symptoms may vary from one person to another.
How should I take CLARINEX (Desloratadine)?
The daily recommended adult dosage of CLARINEX (Desloratadine) is 5 mg. For Children, more than 12 years, the syrup formulations are available and the recommended dose is 10ml (5mg in 10ml) in divided doses. The following instruction should be followed to take CLARINEX (Desloratadine) – 5 mg (Daily): (1) You can take CLARINEX (Desloratadine) anytime disregard of food intake. 2) Take CLARINEX (Desloratadine) while you are sitting or standing up. 3) Take CLARINEX (Desloratadine) with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take CLARINEX (Desloratadine) with any other drink besides plain water. Do not take CLARINEX (Desloratadine) with coffee, tea, juice, milk or other dairy drinks. 4) Swallow CLARINEX (Desloratadine) on a whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep CLARINEX (Desloratadine) in your mouth to melt or dissolve. After taking CLARINEX (Desloratadine) you must wait at least 30 minutes BEFORE: 1) lying down. You may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk. 2) Eating or drinking anything except plain water.
Keep taking CLARINEX (Desloratadine) for as long as your health care provider tells you. To treat your medical problems or keep you away from these problems, you have to take CLARINEX (Desloratadine) as often and in the way CLARINEX (Desloratadine) as prescribed.
What should I know before I take CLARINEX (Desloratadine)?
- Take CLARINEX (Desloratadine) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- CLARINEX (Desloratadine) can be taken with or without food.
- For CLARINEX (Desloratadine) dosage one must follow his doctor's instructions.
- It is important to take CLARINEX (Desloratadine) regularly to get the most benefit, as directed by the Physician.
- You should not take Over-the-counter medications such as cold and anti-allergic drugs, while you are taking CLARINEX (Desloratadine).
- Do not stop taking CLARINEX (Desloratadine) without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling well. Even after your symptoms improve, you may require continuous treatment for quite some time, as directed by the Physician.
- In some people, CLARINEX (Desloratadine) may cause drowsiness and hence it should be used with caution.
- If you notice abnormally yellow coloured urine and changes in eyeball colours, you should inform your Physician right away.
- You should not drive or handle hazardous machineries after taking CLARINEX (Desloratadine).
- Store CLARINEX (Desloratadine) as per the instructions on the label and keep away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss a dose of CLARINEX (Desloratadine)?
Take the missed dose of CLARINEX (Desloratadine) as soon as you remember, during the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take CLARINEX (Desloratadine) next day as routine dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose of CLARINEX (Desloratadine)?
If you experience abnormal symptoms such as sleep disorders, flu like symptoms, pounded heart beats and/or jaundice like symptoms, it may be a symptom of CLARINEX (Desloratadine) overdose. In case of CLARINEX (Desloratadine) overdose, try to seek emergency medical attention immediately.
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