Desloratadine blocks one type of receptor for histamine (the H1 receptor) and thus prevents activation of H1 receptor-containing cells by histamine. Desloratadine does not readily enter the brain from the blood and, therefore, causes less drowsiness (sedation). It is a member of a small family of non-sedating antihistamines which includes loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and azelastine (Astelin). Desloratadine was approved by the FDA in December, 2001.
Clarinex is classified as an antihistamine. This means its method of action is to block the effects of histamine, a natural substance in your body released by an overactive immune system during an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction occurs when your body inadvertently reacts to substances it views as harmful. These substances are called allergens.
A California-based HMO that fought for years to get the FDA to force an over-thecounter OTC switch of three popular allergy drugs is now asking the agency to force an OTC switch on Schering-Ploughs Claritin successor, Clarinex.
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