KENILWORTH, N.J., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP) today announced the introduction of CLARITIN 12-Hour, the only 12-hour allergy medicine found in the allergy aisle. New CLARITIN 12-Hour lasts all day and provides effective, non-drowsy relief from the worst indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms. The product is available for adults and children ages six and up.

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"New CLARITIN 12-Hour offers the proven allergy relief people have relied on for years, with the added flexibility for people who want more control of their treatment," said Dr. John O'Mullane, group vice president, research and development, Schering-Plough Consumer Health Care. "Allergy sufferers can choose to treat their allergy symptoms for 12 or 24 hours depending on their individual needs."

Until now, sufferers shopping the allergy aisle had to choose between 4-6 hour products, which could cause drowsiness, or products offering 24 hours of relief. However, according to a recent study, 34% of allergy sufferers want something in between (1). Today, those sufferers finally have a non-drowsy option that meets their needs.

CLARITIN 12-Hour, which comes in convenient RediTabs(R) tablets, is great for people on the go since they dissolve quickly without water (2). It is also convenient for moms looking to give their kids all day allergy relief, while allowing the flexibility to re-dose at night, if needed.

Like other CLARITIN products, NEW CLARITIN 12-Hour is available without a prescription and treats allergy symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and runny nose without drowsiness. CLARITIN 12-Hour can be found in most food, drug or mass retailers.

(1) 2007 Millward Brown Study

(2) Speed of dissolution does not imply speed of relief.

About CLARITIN

All CLARITIN(R) brand products are non-drowsy and available without a prescription. CLARITIN provides powerful allergy relief for 12 or 24 hours and comes in a variety of forms, including: CLARITIN Tablets, CLARITIN(R) Liqui-Gels(R), an easy-to-swallow liquid-filled capsule, and CLARITIN RediTabs tablets, a quickly dissolving tablet for ages 6 and older. And now, CLARITIN 12-Hour RediTabs provide the flexibility to manage allergy symptoms all day or all night.

CLARITIN-D(R) is available behind-the-counter in 12- or 24-hour extended release tablets and also includes the decongestant pseudoephedrine for powerful nasal congestion relief. CHILDREN'S CLARITIN(R) comes in great-tasting Grape Chewables or Syrup forms and is safe and effective for kids 2 and older.

Finally, CLARITIN Eye is an antihistamine eye drop found in the eye care aisle that works in minutes and relieves the itch of allergy eyes for up to 12 hours.

CLARITIN is the No. 1 physician-recommended and pediatrician-recommended non-drowsy over-the-counter allergy brand. The CLARITIN Rx-to-OTC switch in 2002 was the largest switch ever--and the first and only for a non-drowsy antihistamine. For more information on allergies and treatment, visit www.CLARITIN.com.

About Schering-Plough

Schering-Plough Consumer Health Care is the U.S. over-the-counter (OTC) and consumer products business unit of Schering-Plough an innovation-driven, science-centered global health care company. Through its own biopharmaceutical research and collaborations with partners, Schering-Plough creates therapies that help save and improve lives around the world. The company applies its research-and-development platform to human prescription, animal health and consumer health care products. Schering-Plough's vision is to "Earn Trust, Every Day" with the doctors, patients, customers and other stakeholders served by its colleagues around the world. The company is based in Kenilworth, N.J., and its Web site is www.schering-plough.com.

Liqui-Gels is a registered trademark of Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc.

SOURCE Schering-Plough Corporation