Desloratadine and pseudoephedrine

Desloratadine and pseudoephedrine is a combination medicine that helps relieve sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other allergy and common cold symptoms.

desloratadine and pseudoephedrine is intended for adults and children who are at least 12 years old.

Desloratadine and pseudoephedrine may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or allergy medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms go away.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you have a fever.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not use desloratadine and pseudoephedrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, including isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to desloratadine, loratadine (Claritin), or pseudoephedrine, or if you have:

• narrow-angle glaucoma;
• severe coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);
• uncontrolled high blood pressure; or
• bladder obstruction or other urination problems.

Do not use desloratadine and pseudoephedrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• glaucoma;
• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• a seizure (in you or a family member);
• diabetes;
• thyroid disorder; or
• an enlarged prostate.

Desloratadine and pseudoephedrine should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using desloratadine and pseudoephedrine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might faint;
• tremors;
• severe weakness;
• irregular heartbeats;
• a seizure; or
• a severe skin reaction--fever, skin redness, small pimples.

Common side effects of desloratadine and pseudoephedrine may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness;
• headache;
• nausea, loss of appetite;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• dry mouth, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

2.5 mg desloratadine / 120 mg pseudoephedrine tablets: 1 tablet orally every 12 hoursMaximum dose: 1 tablet twice dailyComments:-Higher doses or more frequent dosing has not shown increased effectiveness, but may have more adverse effects.Use: Relief of seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

12 and older:2.5 mg desloratadine / 120 mg pseudoephedrine tablets: 1 tablet orally every 12 hoursMaximum dose: 1 tablet twice dailyComments:-Higher doses or more frequent dosing has not shown increased effectiveness, but may have more adverse effects.Use: Relief of seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms

Since desloratadine and pseudoephedrine is taken as needed, you might not have to take it every day. If you do have a schedule, take the medicine as soon as you remember, but skip the missed dose if it’s close to the time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Taking too much may lead to anxiety, trouble sleeping, headache, vomiting, thirst, muscle weakness, fast or pounding heartbeats, hallucinations, shallow breathing, or a seizure.

desloratadine and pseudoephedrine may cause blurred vision and may affect your reactions. Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Drinking alcohol while taking this medicine can lead to side effects.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any over-the-counter medicines. They may have ingredients that are similar to desloratadine and pseudoephedrine.

Using desloratadine and pseudoephedrine with other medications that cause drowsiness can make you feel more tired. Talk to your doctor before taking opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Before using desloratadine and pseudoephedrine with any other medications, ask a doctor or pharmacist, especially if you are taking:

• any other cold or allergy medicine;
• ketoconazole;
• reserpine;
• an antibiotic--azithromycin (Zithromax, Z-Pak), erythromycin; or
• heart or blood pressure medication--digoxin, digitalis, methyldopa.

This list is not complete. Other medications may affect desloratadine and pseudoephedrine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.