Clarinex

(desloratadine)

Skip to: drug prices sectionSkip to: what to expect sectionSkip to: side effects sectionSkip to: risks and warnings sectionSkip to: common concerns from users and pharmacists
ADVERTISEMENT

Treats allergy symptoms.

Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.

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.

Lowest price near you
  • Price before coupon
    $139.99
  • Lowest price with coupon
    $18.36
    87% savings
Find instant savings
Quick facts about Clarinex
  • 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.
Get the newsletter!

Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine

Get our free fact sheet

What to expect from Clarinex, on one page

Download Fact Sheet
Tried Clarinex? Write a review!

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.
Get the newsletter!

Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine

Get our free fact sheet

What to expect from Clarinex, on one page

Download Fact Sheet
How it works

Clarinex (desloratadine) is an antihistamine. It blocks histamine, a chemical that causes congestion, itching, and other allergic reactions.

Quick facts about Clarinex
  • Drug class: Respiratory
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (desloratadine)

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Liquid
Tried Clarinex? Write a review!

Prices and coupons

Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.
Prices and coupons for 30 (5mg) tablets of desloratadine near
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
See more prices and coupons in your area

What to expect when you take Clarinex (desloratadine) for Allergies

Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Effectiveness
  • Full effects
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Possible side effects
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle aches
  • Sore throat
Skip side effects section. Skip to risks and warnings section.

Side effect rates for Clarinex (desloratadine)

  • Upper respiratory tract infections
    21%21%
    13%13%
  • Diarrhea
    20%20%
    8%8%
  • Fever
    12%12%
    2%2%
  • Irritability
    12%12%
    11%11%
  • Coughing
    11%11%
    10%10%
  • Sleepiness
    9%9%
    8%8%
  • Inflammation of airways
    6%6%
  • Ear infection
    6%6%
    2%2%
  • Vomiting
    6%6%
    3%3%
  • Decreased appetite
    5%5%
    2%2%
  • Throat inflammation
    5%5%
    2%2%
  • Inability to sleep
    5%5%
  • Runny nose
    5%5%
    3%3%
  • Redness and swelling
    3%3%
    2%2%
  • Nausea
    3%3%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Where we got our data »

The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Clarinex.

Clarinex (desloratadine)
Placebo

People taking Clarinex felt side effect more

People taking Clarinex felt side effect less

No difference

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?
Food
  • Take it once a day with or without food or as directed by your doctor.
Sleep
  • 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).