Claritin Clarinex
Claritin,
the non-sedating antihistamine used mainly
for seasonal hay fever and year round nasal
allergies is now sold over-the-counter.
Schering-Plough, the original manufacturer
is now touting its metabolic derivative,
Clarinex, since losing its patent.
Once
Schering’s most successful product, with
yearly sales exceeding 3 billion dollars,
the company has replaced Claritin with
Clarinex (Claritin’s main active metabolic
product) while the generics have creeped
into the marketplace.
Both
products have many forms. All are taken
orally. One form melts on the tongue and
does not need swallowing. Claritin is FDA
approved from age 2 while Clarinex is
restricted to 12 year olds and above.
As with
other non-sedating antihistamines, these
products are no more effective than
traditional antihistamines. Their value
however is significant. Because they do not
cross the blood – brain barrier, there is
minimal if any central nervous system side
effects, that is essentially no drowsiness,
slowed reaction time, and clumsiness.
Clinical
studies caution the public of the potential
hazards of taking traditional antihistamines
(Benadryl, Chlortrimeton, Pyribenzamine, and
their derivatives) Side effects are evident
in using machinery 24 hours later. Some have
suggested freeway accidents are more
commonly the result of taking antihistamines
than from imbibing alcohol.
Bill Ziering
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