Why is this medication prescribed?

Clarinex Reditabs is prescribed to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and perennial allergic rhinitis (year-round allergies), such as:

• Sneezing
• Runny or itchy nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Itchy throat or palate

It belongs to a class of medications called antihistamines, which work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.

How should this medicine be used?

Here are some general guidelines:

• Dosage: Clarinex Reditabs should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual dosage for adults and children 12 years and older is one tablet (5 mg) once daily.
• Administration: The tablets are orally disintegrating, meaning they dissolve quickly on the tongue without the need for water. Place the tablet on your tongue, allow it to disintegrate, and then swallow with or without water.
• Timing: Take Clarinex Reditabs at the same time each day, preferably in the morning.
• Food: It can be taken with or without food.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
• Duration: Continue taking Clarinex Reditabs for the duration prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve.
• Allergies: Inform your doctor about any allergies you have, especially to desloratadine or other antihistamines.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have, particularly kidney disease or liver disease, as dosage adjustments may be necessary.
• Other Medications: Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as they may interact with desloratadine.
• Driving and Activities: Desloratadine is generally non-sedating, but individual responses may vary. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how Clarinex Reditabs affects you.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking Clarinex Reditabs to ensure safe and effective treatment of your allergies. If you have any questions or concerns about the medication, consult your healthcare provider.

Other uses for this medicine

Clarinex Reditabs (desloratadine orally disintegrating tablets) is primarily used for the treatment of allergic conditions, specifically seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis (hay fever). It is not typically prescribed for other uses unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider. However, some off-label uses may include the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria (chronic hives) under the guidance of a doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

When taking Clarinex Reditabs, it’s important to follow certain precautions to ensure safe and effective use:

• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergies to desloratadine, loratadine, or any other medications.
• Medical Conditions: Discuss with your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially:
  • Kidney or Liver Problems: Dosage adjustments may be necessary.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Clarinex Reditabs should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and under the guidance of a healthcare provider. It may pass into breast milk, so consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
  • Other Health Issues: Any other health conditions you have should be discussed with your doctor to ensure Clarinex Reditabs is safe for you.
• Medications: Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medications may interact with desloratadine, affecting how it works or increasing the risk of side effects.
• Driving and Activities: While desloratadine is generally non-sedating, individual responses may vary. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how Clarinex Reditabs affects you.
• Alcohol: Limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking Clarinex Reditabs, as it can increase the risk of certain side effects such as drowsiness.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of Clarinex Reditabs, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
• Monitoring: Your doctor may periodically monitor you for the effectiveness of Clarinex Reditabs and for any potential side effects.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and ask any questions you have about Clarinex Reditabs to ensure safe and effective treatment of your allergies.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Clarinex Reditabs. It can be taken with or without food.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• If you forget to take a dose of Clarinex Reditabs, take it as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Clarinex Reditabs (desloratadine orally disintegrating tablets) is generally well-tolerated, but like any medication, it can cause side effects in some people. Here are some potential side effects:

• Common Side Effects:
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Dry mouth
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle pain
• Less Common Side Effects:
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
• Rare but Serious Side Effects (Seek medical attention immediately):
  • Severe dizziness
  • Trouble breathing
  • Fast/irregular heartbeat
  • Fainting

It’s important to note that these lists are not exhaustive, and individuals may experience side effects differently. If you experience any unusual or severe symptoms while taking Clarinex Reditabs, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

As with any medication, the benefits and risks should be discussed with your doctor. They can help monitor for side effects and adjust your treatment as needed to ensure your safety and wellbeing.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Clarinex Reditabs:

• Storage: Store Clarinex Reditabs at room temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F). Keep the tablets in their original blister package until ready to use to protect them from moisture. Avoid storing in the bathroom or near heat.
• Disposal: Dispose of unused or expired Clarinex Reditabs properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for proper disposal guidelines.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Emergency: In case of an emergency or suspected overdose (taking more than the prescribed dose), call emergency services (such as 911 in the US) immediately.
• Overdose Symptoms: Symptoms of Clarinex Reditabs overdose may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, or unusually fast or slow heartbeat.

What other information should I know?

• Allergic Reactions: If you have a known allergy to desloratadine or any other ingredients in Clarinex Reditabs, avoid using this medication. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have, especially kidney or liver disease, as dosage adjustments may be necessary.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Clarinex Reditabs should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and under medical supervision.
• Other Medications: Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medications may interact with desloratadine.
• Driving and Activities: Desloratadine is generally non-sedating, but individual responses may vary. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how Clarinex Reditabs affects you.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of Clarinex Reditabs, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and ask any questions you have about Clarinex Reditabs to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.