What is Desloratadine?
Desloratadine, an antihistamine, is used to treat symptoms of allergies such as sneezing and watery eyes. It is also used for itching and runny or stuffy noses. Desloratadine can also be used to treat chronic skin reactions, such as hives or itching. Desloratadine can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Desloratadine
Symptoms of an allergic reaction that require immediate medical intervention: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling in lips, face, tongue or throat.
Desloratadine side effects may include:
- Dry mouth; sore throat.
- Muscle pain;
- Drowsiness, tiredness;
- Menstrual pain is a common symptom.
There may be other side effects.Call your physician if experiencing side effects; to report such events contact the FDA on 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Please read all instructions listed on your medication's label or package before beginning treatment. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, your allergies, and the medicines you are using.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to desloratadine or loratadine( claritin), then do not use it.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease.
Inform your physician immediately if you become pregnant or nursing. This medicine contains phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if phenylketonuria is present.
How to take Desloratadine?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all instructions on the label. Follow the directions on the label. Take desloratadine either with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully when administering this medicine to children. Desloratadine shouldn't be given to children younger than six months. Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon) to measure liquid medicine. Only remove an oral disintegrating tablet when you're ready to use it. As soon as you place the tablet on your tongue, allow it to dissolve without chewing - as its particles start dissolving you should swallow several times until they have all disintegrated completely. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature. Keep the liquid medication away from light.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for Allergic Rhinitis
5 mg taken orally, once per day
Uses:
Relief of nasal and nonnasal symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinorhinitis
Relief of nasal and nonnasal symptoms in perennial allergic rhinitis
Relief of pruritus and reduction of the size and number of hives among patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria
Adult dose for urticaria:
5 mg taken orally, once per day
Uses:
Relief of nasal and nonnasal allergy symptoms
Relief of nasal and nonnasal symptoms in perennial allergic rhinitis
-symptomatic relief from pruritus and reduction of the number of hives as well as their size in patients with chronic, idiopathic, or urticaria
The usual pediatric dose for allergic rhinitis is:
6 to 11 months: 1 mg once daily orally
From 12 months up to 5 years old: Orally, 1.25 mg once daily
6 to 11 years: Orally, 2.5 mg once daily
12 years of age and older: Orally, 5 mg once daily
Uses:
Patients 6 months of age and older: relief of nasal and nonnasal rhinitis symptoms
Patients 6 months of age and older: relief of symptoms of pruritus and reduction of the number and size of hives among patients with chronic idiopathic skin urticaria
Patients 2 years of age and older: relief of nasal and nonnasal symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis
Usual pediatric dose for urticaria:
6 to 11 months: 1 mg once daily orally
From 12 months up to 5 years old: Orally, 1.25 mg once daily
6 to 11 years: Orally, 2.5 mg once daily
12 years of age and older: Orally, 5 mg once daily
Uses:
Patients 6 months of age and older: relief of nasal and nonnasal symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis
Patients 6 months of age and older: relief of symptoms of pruritus and reduction of the number and size of hives among patients with chronic idiopathic skin urticaria
Patients 2 years of age and older: relief of nasal and nonnasal rhinitis symptoms
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Cold or allergy medication;
- Cimetidine;
- Fluoxetine (Prozac);
- Ketoconazole;
- An antibiotic—azithromycin (Z-Pak) or erythromycin.
This list is incomplete. Desloratadine may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
