Desloratadine

Introduction

Desloratadine is an antihistamine developed by the German pharmaceutical company Schering. It is used to treat hay fever, urticaria, and other allergic symptoms. It is commonly used for both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, as well as conjunctivitis due to allergies.

Uses For

Desloratadine is used in adults and children aged 12 years or above to relieve the symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and hives (urticaria).

Brand Name	Desloratadine
Type
Weight
Generic	Desloratadine
Manufacturer
Available in	English বাংলা

Mechanism of Action

Desloratadine works by blocking the action of histamine. Histamine is one of the chemicals released by the body during an allergic reaction. By blocking histamine, desloratadine reduces the swollen, red, itchy skin associated with hives and the runny nose and headache symptoms of hay fever and other allergies.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

Desloratadine generally begins to work within one to three hours after taking the medication.

Absorption

Desloratadine is absorbed quickly and completely after oral administration.

Route of Elimination

Desloratadine is metabolized in the liver and eliminated through the urine.

Dosage

Pediatric drops:

Child 6-11 months of age: 2 ml drops once daily.
Child 1-2 years of age: 2.5 ml drops once daily.

Syrup:

Child 6-11 months of age: 2 ml once daily.
Child 1-5 years of age: 2.5 ml once daily.
Child 6-11 years of age: 5 ml once daily.
Adults & >12 years of age: 10 ml once daily.

Tablet:

Adults and children 12 years of age and over: 1 tablet daily

Desloratadine is available in several forms: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg tablets, a 0.5 mg/mL syrup, and 5 mg and 10 mg dispersed tablets in sachet. The recommended dosage for adults and children aged 12 and older is 5 mg once daily.

Administration

Desloratadine should be taken orally with water. Tablets should not be chewed or crushed. The tablets and syrup may be taken with or without food.

Side Effects

Common side effects of desloratadine include headache, dry mouth, nosebleeds, and sore throat. Rarely, some people may experience serious side effects such as anaphylaxis, heart palpitations, and seizures.

Toxicity

Desloratadine is generally safe and well tolerated, and overdoses are not life-threatening. Symptoms of an overdose may include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and upset stomach.

Precautions

Desloratadine should be used with caution in people with liver and kidney diseases, as reduced renal and hepatic function can reduce its efficacy. In addition, it should not be taken by people who are taking other drugs that may interact with it, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, or certain antibiotics.

Interaction

Desloratadine may interact with other drugs, including antacids, anticoagulants, antipsychotics, certain antibiotics, and digoxin.

Disease Interaction

Desloratadine may interact with certain diseases such as asthma, kidney disease, and liver disease.

Drug Interaction

Desloratadine may interact with drugs such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and certain antibiotics. Other interactions can occur, so patients should always inform their healthcare provider of any medications they are taking.

Food Interactions

No clinically significant food interactions have been reported with the use of desloratadine.

Pregnancy Use

Desloratadine is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Lactation Use

It is not known if desloratadine is safe for use in lactating women. It should be used with caution if breastfeeding.

Acute Overdose

Symptoms of an overdose may include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and upset stomach. If an overdose occurs, it should be treated symptomatically and supportive measures should be taken.

Contraindication

Desloratadine is contraindicated in people who are hypersensitive to it or any of its ingredients.

Use Direction

Desloratadine should be taken orally with water, with or without food. Tablets should not be chewed or crushed. The recommended dosage for adults and children aged 12 and older is 5 mg once daily.

Storage Condition

Desloratadine should be stored at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Keep this and all other medications away from children and pets.