Desloratadine and pseudoephedrine is a combination medicine used to treat sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.

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

Desloratadine and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

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 clear up.

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.

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

2.5 mg desloratadine / 120 mg pseudoephedrine tablets: 1 tablet orally every 12 hours
Maximum dose: 1 tablet twice daily

Comments:
-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 hours
Maximum dose: 1 tablet twice daily

Comments:
-Higher doses or more frequent dosing has not shown increased effectiveness, but may have more adverse effects.

Use: Relief of seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms

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 breast feed while using desloratadine and pseudoephedrine.

Since desloratadine and pseudoephedrine is used when needed, you may not be on a daily dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, take the medicine as soon as you can but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

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

Overdose may cause 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 impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

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

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

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

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• 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.

Using desloratadine and pseudoephedrine with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using desloratadine and pseudoephedrine with any other medications, especially:

• 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 drugs may affect desloratadine and pseudoephedrine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.