Clarinex

(desloratadine)

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Treats allergy symptoms.

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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.

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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.
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What to expect from Clarinex, on one page

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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.
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What to expect from Clarinex, on one page

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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

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

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  • First few hoursHours
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  • Effectiveness
  • Full effects
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
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  • Possible side effects
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle aches
  • Sore throat
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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)

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  • 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)

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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).