Clarinex
(desloratadine)
Treats allergy symptoms.
Our bottom line
Clarinex (desloratadine) is a good option for once-daily allergy relief. It doesn't make you feel sleepy, but you need a prescription.
- Price before coupon$112.25
- Lowest price with coupon$16.6885% savings
- Drug class: Respiratory
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (desloratadine)
Upsides
- Clarinex (desloratadine) relieves allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, congestion, hives, or itchy skin.
- Preferred for older people since it causes little to no drowsiness compared to other antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
- Works faster than other non-drowsy antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin).
- Side effects are rare and usually mild.
- Available as a liquid or fast-dissolving tablet for people who don't like swallowing pills.
What to expect from Clarinex, on one page
Downsides
- May not work as fast as the other antihistamines that make you sleepy (like Benadryl).
- Not a good medication for pregnant women to take.
What to expect from Clarinex, on one page
Clarinex (desloratadine) is an antihistamine. It blocks histamine, a chemical that causes congestion, itching, and other allergic reactions.
- Drug class: Respiratory
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (desloratadine)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Dissolving tablet
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$12.56Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- Get free coupon$16.68
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$19.23
- CostcoGet free coupon$20.71
What to expect when you take Clarinex (desloratadine) for Allergies
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Clarinex (desloratadine)
- Upper respiratory tract infections21%21%13%13%
- Diarrhea20%20%8%8%
- Fever12%12%2%2%
- Irritability12%12%11%11%
- Coughing11%11%10%10%
- Sleepiness9%9%8%8%
- Inflammation of airways6%6%
- Ear infection6%6%2%2%
- Vomiting6%6%3%3%
- Decreased appetite5%5%2%2%
- Throat inflammation5%5%2%2%
- Inability to sleep5%5%
- Runny nose5%5%3%3%
- Redness and swelling3%3%2%2%
- Nausea3%3%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Clarinex.
People taking Clarinex felt side effect more
People taking Clarinex felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Clarinex (desloratadine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.In some rare cases, there have been reports of rash, itching, hives, sweling, shortness of breath, and swelling in the face and throat with Clarinex (desloratadine). Go to the emergency room right away or call your doctor if this happens.
Common concerns from people taking Clarinex (desloratadine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Take it once a day with or without food or as directed by your doctor.
- In some rare cases, causes drowsiness, dizziness, sore throat, or muscle pain.
- Preferred for older people since it causes little to no drowsiness compared to other antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
- Works faster than other non-drowsy antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin).