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Clarinex

Desloratadine · Tablet, Film Coated

Prescription NDA TE AB RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Clarinex
Generic name
Desloratadine
Dosage form
Tablet, Film Coated
Route
Oral
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
Organon LLC
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
1
NDC product codes
2
Packages
2
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Desloratadine 5 mg/1 349420 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Tablet, Film Coated
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
4

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Histamine H1 Receptor Antagonists [MoA] MoA All 136 members
Histamine-1 Receptor Antagonist [EPC] EPC All 134 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
021165
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
December 21, 2001
Sponsor
ORGANON
Products on application
1
Submissions recorded
13
Products approved under application 021165.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
021165-001 CLARINEX TABLET DESLORATADINE Prescription AB RLD RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AB
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 021165.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 22 Labeling Approved March 15, 2019 Standard
Supplement 20 Labeling Approved March 1, 2019 Standard
Supplement 19 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 16, 2016 Standard
Supplement 18 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 16, 2016 Standard
Supplement 17 Labeling Approved April 23, 2014 Standard
Supplement 16 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved July 23, 2013 Standard
Supplement 14 Labeling Approved December 22, 2010 Standard
Supplement 9 Labeling Approved December 14, 2006 Standard
Supplement 8 Labeling Approved December 14, 2006 Standard
Supplement 7 Labeling Approved December 14, 2006 Standard
Supplement 6 Labeling Approved January 29, 2004 Standard
Supplement 1 Labeling Approved February 8, 2002 Standard
Original application 1 Type 1 - New Molecular Entity Approved December 21, 2001 Standard

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · April 4, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · March 18, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · March 5, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · March 4, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · April 25, 2014
  • 0 · Supplement · April 24, 2014
  • 0 · Supplement · May 3, 2012
  • 0 · Supplement · December 28, 2010
  • 0 · Supplement · December 28, 2006
  • 0 · Supplement · December 28, 2006
  • 0 · Supplement · December 28, 2006
  • 0 · Supplement · June 1, 2004
  • 0 · Supplement · February 3, 2004
  • 0 · Supplement · July 8, 2003
  • 0 · Supplement · February 8, 2002
  • 0 · Original application · December 21, 2001
  • 0 · Original application · December 21, 2001
  • 0 · Original application · December 21, 2001

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250517). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20250517

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE CLARINEX is a histamine-1 (H1) receptor antagonist indicated for: Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms in patients 2 years of age and older. ( 1.1 ) Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms in patients 6 months of age and older. ( 1.2 ) Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: symptomatic relief of pruritus, reduction in the number of hives, and size of hives in patients 6 months of age and older. ( 1.3 ) 1.1 Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis CLARINEX ® is indicated for the relief of the nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients 2 years of age and older. 1.2 Perennial Allergic Rhinitis CLARINEX is indicated for the relief of the nasal and non-nasal symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis in patients 6 months of age and older. 1.3 Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria CLARINEX is indicated for the symptomatic relief of pruritus, reduction in the number of hives, and size of hives, in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria 6 months of age and older.

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Although the oral solution and the orally disintegrating tablet formulation of desloratadine may be available in the marketplace, CLARINEX ® Oral Solution and CLARINEX ® RediTabs ® Tablets are no longer marketed. CLARINEX Tablets, Oral Solution, or RediTabs Tablets may be taken without regard to meals. Place CLARINEX (desloratadine) RediTabs Tablets on the tongue and allow to disintegrate before swallowing. Tablet disintegration occurs rapidly. Administer with or without water. Take tablet immediately after opening the blister. The age-appropriate dose of CLARINEX Oral Solution should be administered with a commercially available measuring dropper or syringe that is calibrated to deliver 2 mL and 2.5 mL (1⁄2 teaspoon) . Dosage (by age): Adults and Adolescents 12 Years of Age and Over: CLARINEX Tablets - one 5 mg tablet once daily or CLARINEX RediTabs Tablets - one 5 mg tablet once daily or CLARINEX Oral Solution - 2 teaspoonfuls (5 mg in 10 mL) once daily ( 2 ) Children 6 to 11 Years of Age: CLARINEX Oral Solution - 1 teaspoonful (2.5 mg in 5 mL) once daily or CLARINEX RediTabs Tablets - one 2.5 mg tablet once daily ( 2 ) Children 12 Months to 5 Years of Age: CLARINEX Oral Solution - 1⁄2 teaspoonful (1.25 mg in 2.5 mL) once daily ( 2 ) Children 6 to 11 Months of Age: CLARINEX Oral Solution - 2 mL (1 mg) once daily ( 2 ) 2.1 Adults and Adolescents 12 Years of Age and Over The recommended dose of CLARINEX Tablets or CLARINEX RediTabs Tablets is one 5-mg tablet once daily. The recommended dose of CLARINEX Oral Solution is 2 teaspoonfuls (5 mg in 10 mL) once daily. 2.2 Children 6 to 11 Years of Age The recommended dose of CLARINEX Oral Solution is 1 teaspoonful (2.5 mg in 5 mL) once daily. The recommended dose of CLARINEX RediTabs Tablets is one 2.5-mg tablet once daily. 2.3 Children 12 Months to 5 Years of Age The recommended dose of CLARINEX Oral Solution is 1⁄2 teaspoonful (1.25 mg in 2.5 mL) once daily. 2.4 Children 6 to 11 Months of Age The recommended dose of CLARINEX Oral Solution is 2 mL (1 mg) once daily. 2.5 Adults with Hepatic or Renal Impairment In adult patients with liver or renal impairment, a starting dose of one 5-mg tablet every other day is recommended based on pharmacokinetic data. Dosing recommendation for children with liver or renal impairment cannot be made due to lack of data [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS CLARINEX Tablets are supplied as: Light blue, film-coated tablets embossed with “C5” containing 5 mg desloratadine. Light blue, film-coated tablets embossed with an elongated letters “S” and “P” on one side and plain on the other, containing 5 mg desloratadine. CLARINEX Tablets - 5 mg ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS CLARINEX Tablets, RediTabs, and Oral Solution are contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to this medication or to any of its ingredients or to loratadine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. Hypersensitivity ( 4 , 6.2 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, pruritus, urticaria, edema, dyspnea, and anaphylaxis have been reported. In such cases, stop CLARINEX at once and consider alternative treatments. ( 5.1 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, pruritus, urticaria, edema, dyspnea, and anaphylaxis have been reported after administration of desloratadine. If such a reaction occurs, therapy with CLARINEX should be stopped and alternative treatment should be considered. [See Adverse Reactions (6.2) .]

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Hypersensitivity reactions. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1) .] The most common adverse reactions (reported in ≥2% of adult and adolescent patients with allergic rhinitis and greater than placebo) were pharyngitis, dry mouth, myalgia, fatigue, somnolence, dysmenorrhea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Organon LLC, a subsidiary of Organon & Co., at 1-844-674-3200 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Adults and Adolescents Allergic Rhinitis: In multiple-dose placebo-controlled trials, 2834 patients ages 12 years or older received CLARINEX Tablets at doses of 2.5 mg to 20 mg daily, of whom 1655 patients received the recommended daily dose of 5 mg. In patients receiving 5 mg daily, the rate of adverse events was similar between CLARINEX and placebo-treated patients. The percent of patients who withdrew prematurely due to adverse events was 2.4% in the CLARINEX group and 2.6% in the placebo group. There were no serious adverse events in these trials in patients receiving desloratadine. All adverse events that were reported by greater than or equal to 2% of patients who received the recommended daily dose of CLARINEX Tablets (5 mg once daily), and that were more common with CLARINEX Tablets than placebo, are listed in Table 1 . Table 1: Incidence of Adverse Events Reported by ≥2% of Adult and Adolescent Allergic Rhinitis Patients Receiving CLARINEX Tablets Adverse Event CLARINEX Tablets 5 mg (n=1655) Placebo (n=1652) Infections and Infestations Pharyngitis 4.1% 2.0% Nervous System Disorders Somnolence 2.1% 1.8% Gastrointestinal Disorders Dry Mouth 3.0% 1.9% Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders Myalgia 2.1% 1.8% Reproductive System and Breast Disorders Dysmenorrhea 2.1% 1.6% General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Fatigue 2.1% 1.2% The frequency and magnitude of laboratory and electrocardiographic abnormalities were similar in CLARINEX and placebo-treated patients. There were no differences in adverse events for subgroups of patients as defined by gender, age, or race. Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: In multiple-dose, placebo-controlled trials of chronic idiopathic urticaria, 211 patients ages 12 years or older received CLARINEX Tablets and 205 received placebo. Adverse events that were reported by greater than or equal to 2% of patients who received CLARINEX Tablets and that were more common with CLARINEX than placebo were (rates for CLARINEX and placebo, respectively): headache (14%, 13%), nausea (5%, 2%), fatigue (5%, 1%), dizziness (4%, 3%), pharyngitis (3%, 2%), dyspepsia (3%, 1%), and myalgia (3%, 1%). Pediatrics Two hundred and forty-six pediatric subjects 6 months to 11 years of age received CLARINEX Oral Solution for 15 days in three placebo-controlled clinical trials. Pediatric subjects aged 6 to 11 years received 2.5 mg once a day, subjects aged 1 to 5 years received 1.25 mg once a day, and subjects 6 to 11 months of age received 1.0 mg once a day. In subjects 6 to 11 years of age, no individual adverse event was reported by 2 percent or more of the subjects. In subjects 2 to 5 years of age, adverse events reported for CLARINEX and placebo in at least 2 percent of subjects receiving CLARINEX Oral Solution and at a frequency greater than placebo were fever (5.5%, 5.4%), urinary tract infection (3.6%, 0%) and varicella (3.6%, 0%). In subjects 12 months to 23 months of age, adverse events reported for the CLARINEX product and placebo in at least 2 percent of subjects receiving CLARINEX Oral Solution and at a frequency greater than placebo were fever (16.9 …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 7.1 Inhibitors of Cytochrome P450 3A4 In controlled clinical studies co-administration of desloratadine with ketoconazole, erythromycin, or azithromycin resulted in increased plasma concentrations of desloratadine and 3 hydroxydesloratadine, but there were no clinically relevant changes in the safety profile of desloratadine. [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) .] 7.2 Fluoxetine In controlled clinical studies co-administration of desloratadine with fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), resulted in increased plasma concentrations of desloratadine and 3 hydroxydesloratadine, but there were no clinically relevant changes in the safety profile of desloratadine. [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) .] 7.3 Cimetidine In controlled clinical studies co-administration of desloratadine with cimetidine, a histamine H2-receptor antagonist, resulted in increased plasma concentrations of desloratadine and 3 hydroxydesloratadine, but there were no clinically relevant changes in the safety profile of desloratadine. [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) .]

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Renal impairment: dosage adjustment is recommended ( 2.5 , 8.6 , 12.3 ) Hepatic impairment: dosage adjustment is recommended ( 2.5 , 8.7 , 12.3 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The limited available data with CLARINEX in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Desloratadine given during organogenesis to pregnant rats was not teratogenic at the summed area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)-based exposures of desloratadine and its metabolite approximately 320 times that at the recommended human daily oral dose (RHD) of 5 mg/day. Desloratadine given during organogenesis to pregnant rabbits was not teratogenic at the AUC-based exposures of desloratadine approximately 230 times that at the RHD. Desloratadine given to pregnant rats during organogenesis through lactation resulted in reduced body weight and slow righting reflex of F 1 pups at the summed AUC-based exposures of desloratadine and its metabolite approximately 70 times or greater than that at the RHD [see Data ] . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Desloratadine was given orally during organogenesis to pregnant rats at doses of 6, 24 and 48 mg/kg/day (approximately 50, 200 and 320 times the summed AUC-based exposure of desloratadine and its metabolite at the RHD). No fetal malformations were present. Reduced fetal weights and skeletal variations noted at doses of 24 and 48 mg/kg/day were likely secondary to the maternal toxicities of reduced body weight gain and food consumption observed at the same doses. Desloratadine was also given orally during organogenesis to pregnant rabbits at doses of 15, 30 and 60 mg/kg/day (approximately 30, 70 and 230 times the AUC-based exposure of desloratadine at the RHD). No adverse effects to the fetus were noted. Reduced maternal body weight gain was noted in rabbits at 60 mg/kg/day. In a peri- and post-natal development study, desloratadine was given to rats orally during the peri-natal (Gestation Day 6) through lactation periods (Postpartum Day 21) at doses of 3, 9 and 18 mg/kg/day. Reduced body weight and slow righting reflex were reported in F 1 pups at doses of 9 mg/kg/day or greater (approximately 70 times or greater than the summed AUC-based exposure of desloratadine and its metabolite at the RHD). Desloratadine had no effect on F 1 pup development at 3 mg/kg/day (approximately 10 times the summed AUC-based exposure of desloratadine and its metabolite at the RHD). Maternal toxicities including reduced body weight gain and food consumption were noted at 18 mg/kg/day for F 0 dams. F 1 offspring were subsequently mated and there was no developmental toxicity for F 2 pups observed. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Desloratadine passes into breast milk. There are not sufficient data on the effects of desloratadine on the breastfed infant or the effects of desloratadine on milk production. The decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue desloratadine, taking into account the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding, the nursing mother's clinical need, and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from desloratadine or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Infertility There are no data available on human infertility associated with desloratadine. There were no clinically relevant effects of desloratadine on female fertility in rats. A male specific decrease in fertility occurred at an oral desloratadine dose of 12 mg/kg or greater in rats (approximately 65 times the summed AUC-based exposure of desloratadine and its me …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Desloratadine is a long-acting tricyclic histamine antagonist with selective H 1 -receptor histamine antagonist activity. Receptor binding data indicates that at a concentration of 2–3 ng/mL (7 nanomolar), desloratadine shows significant interaction with the human histamine H 1 -receptor. Desloratadine inhibited histamine release from human mast cells in vitro . Results of a radiolabeled tissue distribution study in rats and a radioligand H 1 -receptor binding study in guinea pigs showed that desloratadine did not readily cross the blood brain barrier. The clinical significance of this finding is unknown.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION CLARINEX (desloratadine) Tablets are light blue, round, film-coated tablets containing 5 mg desloratadine, an antihistamine, to be administered orally. CLARINEX Tablets also contain the following excipients: dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate USP, microcrystalline cellulose NF, corn starch NF, talc USP, carnauba wax NF, white wax NF, coating material consisting of lactose monohydrate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, and FD&C Blue #2 Aluminum Lake. Desloratadine is a white to off-white powder that is slightly soluble in water, but very soluble in ethanol and propylene glycol. It has an empirical formula: C 19 H 19 ClN 2 and a molecular weight of 310.8. The chemical name is 8-chloro-6,11-dihydro-11-(4-piperdinylidene)-5 H -benzo[5,6]cyclohepta[1,2- b ]pyridine and has the following structure: Chemical Structure

10 OVERDOSAGE In the event of overdose, consider standard measures to remove any unabsorbed drug. Symptomatic and supportive treatment is recommended. Desloratadine and 3-hydroxydesloratadine are not eliminated by hemodialysis. Information regarding acute overdosage is limited to experience from post-marketing adverse event reports and from clinical trials conducted during the development of the CLARINEX product. In a dose-ranging trial, at doses of 10 mg and 20 mg/day somnolence was reported. In another study, no clinically relevant adverse events were reported in normal male and female volunteers who were given single daily doses of CLARINEX 45 mg for 10 days [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ].

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING CLARINEX Tablets: Embossed “C5”, light blue, film-coated tablets that are packaged in high-density polyethylene plastic bottles of 100 (NDC 78206-119-01). Embossed with elongated letters “S” and “P”, light blue, film-coated tablets that are packaged in high-density polyethylene plastic bottles of 100 (NDC 78206-188-01). Storage CLARINEX Tablets: Protect Unit-of-Use packaging and Unit-Dose Hospital Pack from excessive moisture. Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Heat Sensitive. Avoid exposure at or above 30°C (86°F).

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
10,697
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: DESLORATADINE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
78206-119-01 78206-119 Organon LLC 100 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (78206-119-01) June 1, 2021
78206-188-01 78206-188 Organon LLC 100 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (78206-188-01) August 23, 2022
78206-119 78206-119 Organon LLC — June 1, 2021
78206-188 78206-188 Organon LLC — August 23, 2022

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.