Clarinex for Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Sometimes called hay fever or rose fever, SAR occurs during specific times of the year when allergens (things you are allergic to) are in the air. Seasonal allergies are usually at their peak during spring and fall.

When you breathe in an allergen, cells in your nasal passages produce a chemical called histamine. Histamine causes your nose to feel itchy and increases swelling and mucus production in the nasal passages.

The following are symptoms of SAR:

• Sneezing
• Itching in the nose, eyes, throat, and ears
• Red, watery eyes
• Runny nose, nasal congestion
• Sinus pressure
• Postnasal drip and cough
• Headache
• Dark circles under your eyes

About Clarinex

Clarinex, manufactured by Schering-Plough, is taken once daily as a five milligram tablet. It is a nonsedating antihistamine, which means it blocks the production of histamine without making you feel drowsy.

In studies conducted by the manufacturer, more than 2,300 people who have SAR took either Clarinex or a placebo. The age of the studies' participants ranged from 12-75. The clinical trials found that Clarinex, when taken once daily, significantly reduced nasal and non-nasal symptoms of SAR when compared with the placebo.

The most common side effects experienced by those taking Clarinex were:

• Sore throat
• Dry mouth
• Sleepiness
• Fatigue
• Sore muscles

These side effects occurred at the same rate in the group that took Clarinex as compared with the group that took a placebo.

General Precautions

The safety and efficacy of Clarinex on children under age 12 has not been established. Clinical studies did not include sufficient numbers of people over the age of 65 to determine whether they respond differently than younger people. In addition, there have been no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, and desloratadine, the main ingredient in Clarinex, passes into breast milk. So, if you are pregnant or nursing, talk with your doctor about possible alternative options for treating SAR.

Alternatives

Research is ongoing to develop effective treatments for seasonal allergies. Other antihistamines (eg Allegra©, Zyrtec©), nasal sprays (eg Flonase©, Nasocort©), and immunotherapy (sublingual pill or allergy shots) may help you rmanage your allergies. Talk to your docotr about the alternatives and what may wrk best for you.