Desloratadine
About
Desloratadine belongs to the class of medications called ‘antihistamines’ used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and urticaria. Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is characterized by a runny nose, sneezing, red, watery, itchy, and swollen eyes occurring due to exposure to allergens. Urticaria (hives) is an itchy skin reaction due to triggers such as food, drugs, or other irritation.
Desloratadine contains ‘desloratadine’ which acts as an antihistamine. It blocks the action of histamines (chemicals causing allergic symptoms) and reduces the allergic reaction. It provides quick relief from allergic symptoms. Unlike other antihistamine drugs, it doesn’t cause drowsiness.
Take Desloratadine as prescribed. Your doctor will advise you on how often you take Desloratadine based on your medical condition. Desloratadine may cause side effects such as fatigue (lack of energy), dry mouth, and headache. In general, these side effects usually go away without treatment. However, if these persist or worsen, consult your doctor immediately.
Do not use Desloratadine if you are allergic to ‘desloratadine’ or any other contents present in it. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription or non-prescription medicines, including dietary or herbal supplements. Inform your doctor if you are previously diagnosed with seizures (fits) and liver or kidney failure. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, and breastfeeding.
Uses of Desloratadine
Medicinal Benefits
Desloratadine contains ‘desloratadine’ which belongs to the class of ‘phenothiazines’. It is an antihistamine and blocks the action of histamines (chemicals causing allergic symptoms). It can effectively treat allergic symptoms such as itching, watery eyes, hives, runny nose and sneezing without causing drowsiness, unlike other antihistamine medications.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Desloratadine
- Fatigue (lack of energy)
- Dry mouth
- Headache
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not use Desloratadine if you are allergic to ‘desloratadine’ or any other contents present in it. Inform your doctor if you are previously diagnosed with seizures (fits), and liver or kidney failure. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, and breastfeeding. Do not take alcohol as it may increase the risk of side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interactions: Desloratadine may interact with a medication used to treat excessive sleepiness (pitolisant), antibiotics (ketoconazole, erythromycin, azithromycin), cholesterol drugs (atorvastatin), HIV and HCV drugs (lopinavir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, saquinavir), anti-cancer drugs (tacrolimus, tamoxifen, sunitinib, vandetanib, vemurafenib).
Drug-Food interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease interactions: Desloratadine should be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney failure and asthma.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol may worsen the health condition. So, do not take alcohol while using Desloratadine.
Pregnancy
unsafeDesloratadine is a category C medicine. It may cause toxic effects to the fetus. It should be used in pregnant women only if needed. Please consult your doctor. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Breast Feeding
cautionDo not use Desloratadine in breastfeeding mothers unless prescribed by your doctor.
Driving
cautionDesloratadine may not cause drowsiness. However, refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery while taking this medicine.
Liver
cautionDesloratadine should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Kidney
cautionDesloratadine should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Children
cautionFor children above 12 years of age, dose adjustments may be necessary if prescribed by a child specialist.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stay hydrated as it is vital for those with a cough or cold. Drinking liquids at room temperature can alleviate runny nose and sneezing.
- Avoid stress as the immune system is affected by stress and raises the risk of being sick. An individual can exercise regularly, meditate, do deep breathing, and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to relieve stress.
Special Advise
Desloratadine does not usually cause drowsiness when used at recommended doses. However, do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Allergic rhinitis: It is also called hay fever. It occurs when the immune system responds to foreign elements that are typically not harmful to your body. These foreign elements are known as ‘allergens’. Symptoms include itching, watery eyes, swelling around the eyes, runny nose, and sneezing.
Urticaria: It is also called hives. It is characterized by red, itchy, and swollen bumps on the skin due to triggers such as food, drugs, or other irritants.
FAQs
Desloratadine blocks the action of histamines, chemicals that are responsible for causing an allergic reaction. This medicine is effectively used to treat runny nose, sneezing, itching of the skin, watery eyes.
The dose, duration, and frequency of dose are determined by your doctor. So, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
Desloratadine may not cause drowsiness when taken in recommended doses. However, consult your doctor immediately if you develop any abnormal effects while using this medicine.
Common side effects include fatigue (lack of energy), dry mouth and headache. These side-effects usually disappear without any treatment. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Desloratadine is a category C medicine and may cause harmful effects to the unborn baby. So, do not use Desloratadine unless prescribed by your doctor.
