What is Clarinex: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Clarinex overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Clarinex, Clarinex Reditabs

Generic Names:

  • Desloratadine

Uses:

  • Treats or prevents hives, allergy symptoms, and hay fever symptoms. This medicine is an antihistamine.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Respiratory Agent

Forms:

  • Dissolving Tablet, Tablet, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Clarinex used for?

Clarinex comes in the form of a tablet and is used to treat allergic rhinitis. It helps to ease symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. Clarinex is also used to treat skin hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions. Common side effects include seizure, jaundice, dry mouth and muscle pain.

What form(s) does Clarinex come in

  • Dissolving Tablet

  • Tablet

  • Liquid

What are common Clarinex doses?

  • Tablet 5MG

Common Clarinex prescriptions

  • Clarinex
    30 tablets bottle

  • Clarinex
    473ml of 0.5mg/ml bottle

  • Clarinex
    90 tablets bottle

  • Clarinex
    5mg tablet

How to take Clarinex

  • Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the disintegrating tablet. Peel back the foil from the blister pack, then remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. After it has melted, swallow or take a drink of water.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Oral routeYou may take this medicine with or without food.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Oral routeYou may take this medicine with or without food.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the disintegrating tablet. Peel back the foil from the blister pack, then remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. After it has melted, swallow or take a drink of water.

What to do if you miss a dose of Clarinex

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Clarinex contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to desloratadine or to loratadine (Claritin®).

Clarinex warnings

  • Pain when urinating, or trouble urinating.

  • Some forms of this medicine may contain phenylalanine (aspartame). Read the label before using this medicine. This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids). If you have this condition, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have liver disease or kidney disease. Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart problems, and about any other medical problems you may have.

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Clarinex interactions

  • There may be medicines that could interact with desloratadine. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

  • Some forms of this medicine may contain phenylalanine (aspartame). Read the label before using this medicine. This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids). If you have this condition, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

Clarinex side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fast or irregular (uneven) heartbeat.

  • Pain when urinating, or trouble urinating.

  • Mild skin rash.

  • Muscle aches.

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, or other mood changes.

  • Muscle aches.

  • Dry mouth or throat.

  • Nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach.

  • Fever, cough, sore throat, or headache.

  • Mild skin rash.

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