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What is Clarinex
 Clarinex
is an antihistamine. Antihistamines prevent sneezing, runny
nose, itching and watering of the eyes, and other allergic
symptoms.
Clarinex
is used to treat the symptoms of allergies.
Clarinex
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Clarinex
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Although unlikely,
Clarinex may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience
dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
What you should find out before taking
Clarinex
Before taking Clarinex, tell your doctor if you have:
- ever had an allergic reaction to an antihistamine;
- kidney disease; or
- liver disease.
You may not be able to take Clarinex, or you may require
a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Clarinex
is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is
not known whether Clarinex will be harmful to an unborn
baby. Do not take Clarinex without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during
treatment.
Clarinex passes into breast milk and may
affect a nursing infant. Do not take Clarinex without first
talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Clarinex Take Clarinex exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
regular tablet with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Place Clarinex Reditabs (orally-disintegrating-tablet) on
the tongue and allow it dissolve. The tablet will disintegrate
rapidly. Swallow with or without water. Take the Clarinex
orally-disintegrating tablets immediately after removal
from the blister packaging. Do not store for later use.
Clarinex can be taken with or without food.
Clarinex is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's
instructions.
Never take more of this medication
than directed. If your symptoms do not improve, talk to
your doctor.
Store Clarinex at room temperature away
from moisture and heat. Avoid exposing the medication to
temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius
).
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is
suspected.
Symptoms of a Clarinex overdose are not
well known but may include drowsiness.
Avoid while taking Clarinex Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Although unlikely,
Clarinex may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience
dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Possible side effects of Clarinex If you experience any of the following rare but serious
side effects, stop taking Clarinex and contact your doctor
immediately or seek emergency medical attention.
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the
throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
or
- irregular or fast heartbeats.
Other,
less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take Clarinex and talk to your doctor if you experience
- drowsiness or dizziness;
- nausea;
-
dry mouth or throat; or
- muscle aches.
Side
effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk
to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Clarinex
There
are no known interactions between Clarinex and other medications.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals,
and herbal products, during treatment with Clarinex. |
