Drug Name	CLARINEX
Active Ingredient(s)	• DESLORATADINE
Form(s) and Strength(s) Available	• SYRUP; ORAL:0.5MG/ML

Product Information / Press Release

Medicine Category : Antihistamines & Antiallergics

What is it used for ?

- Inflammation of the nasal lining due to allergies (allergic rhinitis, eg hay fever)
- Ongoing itchy rash with no known cause (chronic idiopathic urticaria)

How does it work ?

This medicine contains the active ingredient desloratadine, which is a type of medicine called a non-sedating antihistamine. It works by preventing the actions of histamine.

Histamine is a substance produced by the body as part of its defence mechanisms. It is stored in cells called mast cells, in almost all tissues of the body. When the body reacts to a foreign substance (known as an allergen, eg flower pollen, dust mites), the mast cells stimulated by the allergen release their stores of histamine.

The released histamine then binds to its receptors (H-1 receptors), causing a chain reaction that results in allergic symptoms. It causes an increase in blood flow to the area of the allergy, and the release of other chemicals that add to the allergic response.

All this results in the symptoms of an allergic reaction. In hayfever and other nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis), histamine causes inflammation of the nose, eyes, skin or airways and results in itchy watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion.

Desloratadine works by blocking histamine receptors. It does not prevent the actual release of histamine from mast cells, but prevents it binding to its receptors. This in turn prevents the release of other allergy chemicals and increased blood supply to the area, and provides relief from the typical symptoms of nasal allergies such as hayfever.

Desloratadine can also be used to relieve the symptoms of a condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria. This is a chronic itchy rash, similar to nettle rash, but with no apparant cause. Blocking the actions of histamine relieves the itching and reduces the rash associated with this condition.

Desloratadine is called a non-sedating antihistamine as it does not enter the brain, and is therefore unlikely to cause drowsiness.

How should Clarinex (Desloratadine) be used ?

Warning

- If you are due to have any skin prick tests to diagnose allergies you should stop taking your antihistamines at least 48 hours before the tests. This is because antihistamines can prevent or lessen the skin reactions that indicate an allergy, and so can make the test results unreliable.

- Neoclarityn tablets are not recommended for children under 12 years of age. Neoclarityn syrup is not recommended for children under two years of age.

Use with caution in

- Severely decreased kidney function

Not to be used in

- Allergy to loratadine
- Inherited deficiency of sucrase and isomaltase in the gut leading to intolerance to sugars in the diet (only applicable to Neoclarityn syrup)

- Inherited inability to absorb the sugars glucose and galactose (glucose-galactose malabsorption, only applicable to Neoclarityn syrup)
- Inherited intolerance to fructose in the diet (only applicable to Neoclarityn syrup)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby.Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

- This medicine passes into breast milk. It is not recommended for use by breastfeeding women. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label Warning

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines ?

There were no significant interactions reported with this medicine in clinical trials. However, as it is a new medicine, make sure you always tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking it if you buy or are prescribed any other medicines. This includes over-the-counter medicines and herbal medicines.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

For adults and children 12 and older, the usual dose is 5 milligrams (1 tablet) once a day. If you have kidney or liver disease, the recommended dose is 5 milligrams every other day.

Overdosage

In the event of overdosage, consider standard measures to remove unabsorbed active substance. Symptomatic and supportive treatment is recommended.
Desloratadine is not eliminated by hemodialysis; it is not known if it is eliminated by peritoneal dialysis.

When you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

Storage

Store between 2 C and 30 C. Protect from excessive moisture.