Hives
Urticaria or hives as it is commonly called, is an itchy rash consisting of localized swellings of the skin that usually last for a few hours before fading away. Urticaria results from some changes in the small blood vessels of the skin. Such changes are brought about by the release of some substances in the body, the commonest of which is histamine. Histamine is released from cells called mast cells by either an allergic or non-allergic reaction.
CLARINEX® is approved to treat the itching and rash due to hives from unknown causes. In clinical studies for ongoing itching and rash from hives of unknown cause, the most common side effects with CLARINEX® (desloratadine) Tablets 5 mg were headache, nausea, and fatigue.
When is Urticaria an Emergency?
Urticaria may also accompany a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is characterized as diffuse hives, difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, and can be fatal if not immediately treated with epinephrine. If the patient has a kit containing epinephrine injection, this should be used right away. In the absence of a kit, the patient should seek immediate emergency care at the closest Hospital Emergency Department or Emergency Care Center. Typical causes of acute urticaria and anaphylaxis include bee stings, foods and drugs.
What Can Trigger Attacks of Hives?
Bouts of urticaria have been traced to such triggers as infections, drugs (including aspirin), certain foods and additives, cold, sun exposure, insect stings, alcohol, exercise, endocrine disorders and emotional stress. In some people, pressure caused by belts and constricting clothing causes eruption. Urticaria may be a response to infection including the common cold, strep throat and infectious mononucleosis.
In the urticaria-prone person, these triggers cause the body to release chemical mediators, including histamine, from cells. Histamine (which causes itchy, runny noses and watery eyes in hay fever sufferers) dilates the walls of blood vessels, allowing fluids to leak out into the surrounding tissues. Swelling and itching are the result.
See Causes and Treatment for Hives
CLARINEX®, a prescription medication, treats year-round allergy symptoms and ongoing hives of unknown cause, in adults and children 6 months and older, and seasonal allergy symptoms in patients 2 years and older. CLARINEX® 5 mg Tablets and 5 mg RediTabs® Tablets are approved for patients 12 years and older; CLARINEX® 2.5 mg RediTabs® Tablets are approved for patients 6 to 11 years; CLARINEX® Syrup is approved for patients 6 months and older.
Twice-daily CLARINEX-D® 12 HOUR Extended Release Tablets and once-daily CLARINEX-D® 24 HOUR Extended Release Tablets treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies, including nasal congestion, in patients 12 years and older.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
CLARINEX® Tablets side effects in patients 12 years and older were similar to placebo and included sore throat, dry mouth, and fatigue for seasonal and year-round allergy patients, and headache, nausea, and fatigue for patients with ongoing hives of unknown cause.
CLARINEX® Syrup side effects in children 6 to 11 years were similar to placebo. For children 6 months to 5 years, syrup side effects varied by age and included fever, diarrhea, upper respiratory infection, irritability, and coughing.
Due to their pseudoephedrine component, CLARINEX-D® 12 HOUR Extended Release Tablets and CLARINEX-D® 24 HOUR Extended Release Tablets should not be taken by patients with narrow-angle glaucoma (abnormally high eye pressure), difficulty urinating, severe high blood pressure, or severe heart disease, or by patients who have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor within the past fourteen (14) days. Patients with high blood pressure; diabetes; heart disease; increased intraocular pressure (eye pressure); thyroid, liver or kidney problems; or enlarged prostate should check with their healthcare provider before taking CLARINEX-D® 12 HOUR Extended Release Tablets or CLARINEX-D® 24 HOUR Extended Release Tablets.
Care should be used if CLARINEX-D® 12 HOUR Extended Release Tablets or CLARINEX-D® 24 HOUR Extended Release Tablets are taken with other antihistamines or decongestants because combined effects on the cardiovascular system may be harmful. The most commonly reported adverse events for CLARINEX-D® 12 HOUR Extended Release Tablets were insomnia, headache, dry mouth, fatigue, drowsiness, sore throat, and dizziness. The most commonly reported adverse events for CLARINEX-D® 24 HOUR Extended Release Tablets were dry mouth, headache, insomnia, fatigue, sore throat, and drowsiness.
Click here for important CLARINEX® Tablets/Syrup/RediTabs® Product Information.
Click here for important CLARINEX-D® 12 HOUR Product Information.
Click here for important CLARINEX-D® 24 HOUR Product Information.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Note: The information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any questions about your treatment or medical condition, please consult your doctor or other qualified health care provider. This site is intended for use by U.S. residents.
