DESLORATADINE is an antihistamine. It relieves the symptoms of hay fever (sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes), and may help treat hives and associated itching of the skin.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma
• kidney disease
• liver disease or hepatitis
• an unusual reaction to desloratadine, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

Take desloratadine tablets by mouth. This drug may be taken with or without food. Leave the disintegrating tablet in the blister package until you are ready to take it. Peel open the blister pack with dry hands and place the tablet on your tongue. The tablet will dissolve rapidly until it has dissolved completely and can be swallowed. It is not necessary to drink any water to take this medicine; however, you may drink fluids after taking the dose. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

If you miss a dose, take a dose as soon as you can, then go back to your regular dosing schedule the next day. Do not take double or extra doses.

• erythromycin
• ketoconazole

In addition, the following medicines can make you feel drowsy:

• alcohol
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as alprazolam, diazepam or temazepam
• medicines for hay fever and other allergies
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• medicines for pain

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for checks on your progress. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve within several days.

Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how desloratadine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• fever
• seizures
• yellowing of skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness
• drowsiness or tiredness
• dry mouth
• muscle aches
• sore or dry throat

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F). Avoid excessive heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.