Clarinex

CLARINEX is an antihistamine — a type of medicine that blocks the action of histamine, a natural substance in your body that is released by your immune system during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines are often used to help relieve the symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergies — itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny nose — caused by exposure to indoor allergens such as dust mite, mold spores, pet dander, and outdoor allergens caused by pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds.

CLARINEX is also approved to treat the ongoing itching and rash due to hives from unknown causes. CLARINEX can be safely used to treat seasonal allergies in adults who at the same time suffer from mild-to-moderate asthma. CLARINEX® is not approved for the treatment of asthma. Patients with asthma should speak to their doctors about an appropriate treatment for asthma.

CLARINEX is available by prescription only. And unlike many over-the-counter and some prescription antihistamines, CLARINEX® is nondrowsy when taken at the recommended doses.

Telling the difference between allergies and colds can be difficult—even for doctors. The symptoms are similar: Both may cause sneezing; congestion; thin, watery discharge from your nose; watery eyes; fatigue; and headaches. But colds don't usually cause itching in the nose, throat, and eyes. Colds often start with a sore throat or are accompanied by a fever, while allergies do not cause these symptoms.

The overall duration of symptoms may also give a clue. Colds and their symptoms will generally last for a 7- to 10-day period. Allergy symptoms subside within hours after exposure to the allergen ceases, but may persist for months if exposure continues. When the allergen is pollen, symptoms may last for weeks or months.