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Desloratadine: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Desloratadine is an established, FDA-approved second-generation antihistamine indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with the following conditions: Seasonal allergic rhinitis (approved for…

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About Desloratadine

Indications of Desloratadine

Desloratadine is an established, FDA-approved second-generation antihistamine indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with the following conditions:

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis (approved for patients 2 years of age and older) — relieves sneezing, rhinorrhea, itchy/watery eyes, nasal itching, and itching of the palate.
  • Perennial allergic rhinitis (approved for patients 6 months of age and older) — relieves nasal congestion, sneezing, and rhinorrhea due to year-round allergen exposure.
  • Chronic idiopathic urticaria (approved for patients 6 months of age and older) — reduces pruritus (itching) and the number and size of hives/wheals of unknown cause.

Desloratadine is not indicated for the treatment of anaphylaxis or acute severe allergic/anaphylactic reactions, and is not an antibiotic or antimicrobial agent.

Dosage & Administration of Desloratadine

Dosing by Indication and Age

Age groupRecommended dose of Desloratadine
Adults and adolescents ≥12 years5 mg (one tablet or 10 mL syrup) once daily
Children 6–11 years2.5 mg (one 2.5 mg tablet/ODT or 5 mL syrup) once daily
Children 1–5 years1.25 mg (2.5 mL syrup) once daily, for perennial allergic rhinitis or chronic idiopathic urticaria only
Infants 6–11 months1 mg (2 mL syrup) once daily, for perennial allergic rhinitis or chronic idiopathic urticaria only

Desloratadine is not recommended for seasonal allergic rhinitis in children under 2 years, and safety/efficacy have not been established for infants under 6 months for any indication.

Renal or Hepatic Impairment

In adults with significant renal or hepatic impairment, a starting dose of Desloratadine 5 mg every other day is recommended, based on reduced clearance in these populations (see Use in Special Populations).

Administration

Desloratadine tablets may be taken with or without food. Orally disintegrating tablets should be placed on the tongue, allowed to disintegrate, and swallowed with or without water, with or without food. Syrup should be measured using an accurate dosing device, not a household spoon.

Side Effects of Desloratadine

Desloratadine is generally well tolerated. Reported adverse effects include:

  • Common (adults/adolescents): fatigue, dry mouth, headache, pharyngitis, myalgia, dizziness, nausea, and dyspepsia.
  • Common (children): fever, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, insomnia, and irritability.
  • Uncommon: mild somnolence (higher than placebo but generally low), dry mouth.
  • Rare but reported: hypersensitivity reactions (rash, pruritus, urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis), tachycardia, palpitations, elevated liver enzymes, and hepatitis.

Patients should seek medical attention promptly if signs of a serious allergic reaction (facial/throat swelling, severe rash, difficulty breathing) occur.

Contraindications of Desloratadine

Desloratadine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Desloratadine, any of its formulation excipients, or to loratadine (of which Desloratadine is the active metabolite).

Frequently Asked Questions about Desloratadine

What is Desloratadine used for?

Desloratadine is used to relieve symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis (such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy/watery eyes) and to reduce itching and hives in chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Does Desloratadine cause drowsiness?

Desloratadine is a non-sedating, second-generation antihistamine and causes little to no drowsiness in most people at the recommended dose, unlike older first-generation antihistamines. A small number of people may still experience mild sleepiness.

Can Desloratadine be used during pregnancy?

Desloratadine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Human data are limited, so a physician should always be consulted before use in pregnancy.

Is Desloratadine safe for children?

Desloratadine is approved for children as young as 6 months (for perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria, using the syrup form) and from 2 years for seasonal allergic rhinitis, using age-specific doses. It has not been established as safe or effective in infants under 6 months.

What should I do if I take too much Desloratadine?

If an overdose of Desloratadine is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center/emergency services right away rather than attempting home treatment.

Can I take Desloratadine with other medicines or alcohol?

Desloratadine has a low potential for interactions, but caution is advised when combining it with alcohol or other CNS depressants, and certain medicines (such as ketoconazole or erythromycin) can raise its blood levels, though this has not been linked to significant safety problems at recommended doses. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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