The US FDA has approved re-formulated Clarinex (desloratadine 2.5 mg and 5 mg) Reditabs tablets of Schering-Plough Corporation for the treatment of allergy symptoms caused by both perennial indoor and seasonal outdoor allergens and chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU), or hives of unknown cause, in adults and children 6 years of age and older.

The tablet dissolves rapidly allowing allergy sufferers to take their medication when it is convenient for them, even when they do not have access to water. Patients who have active lifestyles or dislike swallowing pills may prefer Reditabs for their allergy treatment. Options like Reditabs, make it possible to identify the most appropriate allergy treatment for each patient given their lifestyle and preferences, a release from the company claims.

"This new formulation, along with the currently available Clarinex family of products, helps physicians tailor the treatment regimen to patients' specific needs and allows them to provide a variety of safe and effective allergy treatments for both children and adults," said Robert J. Spiegel, chief medical officer and senior vice president, Schering-Plough.

Clarinex also is the only prescription nonsedating, 24-hour antihistamine approved for the treatment of indoor and outdoor allergies and hives of unknown cause. The efficacy and safety of Clarinex in outdoor allergies has been established in four double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies involving more than 2,300 patients with seasonal allergies.