
Medicine overview
Indications of Deslor Kids
Deslor Kids 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.
Deslor Kids is not indicated for the treatment of anaphylaxis or acute severe allergic/anaphylactic reactions, and is not an antibiotic or antimicrobial agent.
Composition
Desloratadine is available in several dosage forms, each containing Desloratadine as the sole active ingredient:
- Film-coated tablets: Desloratadine 5 mg
- Orally disintegrating tablets (ODT): Desloratadine 2.5 mg and 5 mg
- Syrup/oral solution: Desloratadine 2.5 mg/5 mL
- Pediatric oral drops (in some markets) for infants
Description
Deslor Kids is a long-acting, tricyclic, second-generation (non-sedating) antihistamine. It is the major active metabolite of the first-generation-derived antihistamine loratadine. Deslor Kids acts as a selective and peripherally-restricted antagonist of the histamine H1-receptor, which underlies its efficacy in relieving allergic symptoms with a low propensity for sedation or anticholinergic side effects at recommended doses.
Therapeutic Class
Deslor Kids belongs to the class of second-generation (non-sedating) antihistamines, specifically selective peripheral histamine H1-receptor antagonists.
Pharmacology
Mechanism
Desloratadine selectively and competitively antagonizes peripheral histamine H1-receptors. By blocking histamine's action at these receptors, Desloratadine reduces the vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and sensory nerve stimulation (itching, sneezing) that histamine release produces during allergic reactions.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well absorbed orally; peak plasma concentrations of Desloratadine occur approximately 3 hours after dosing.
- Distribution: Highly protein bound (83–87%); does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier at therapeutic doses, accounting for its low sedation profile.
- Metabolism: Extensively metabolized, principally to the active metabolite 3-hydroxydesloratadine, via an as-yet unidentified pathway (not primarily CYP-dependent), though minor CYP2D6/CYP3A4 involvement occurs in some individuals.
- Elimination half-life: Approximately 27 hours, supporting once-daily dosing.
- Excretion: Metabolites are eliminated in urine and feces.
Dosage & Administration of Deslor Kids
Dosing by Indication and Age
| Age group | Recommended dose of Deslor Kids |
|---|---|
| Adults and adolescents ≥12 years | 5 mg (one tablet or 10 mL syrup) once daily |
| Children 6–11 years | 2.5 mg (one 2.5 mg tablet/ODT or 5 mL syrup) once daily |
| Children 1–5 years | 1.25 mg (2.5 mL syrup) once daily, for perennial allergic rhinitis or chronic idiopathic urticaria only |
| Infants 6–11 months | 1 mg (2 mL syrup) once daily, for perennial allergic rhinitis or chronic idiopathic urticaria only |
Deslor Kids 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 Deslor Kids 5 mg every other day is recommended, based on reduced clearance in these populations (see Use in Special Populations).
Administration
Deslor Kids 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.
Administration of Deslor Kids
Deslor Kids is taken orally, once daily, at approximately the same time each day, with or without food.
- Tablets: Swallow whole with water.
- Orally disintegrating tablets: Place on the tongue and allow to dissolve; no water is required, though it may be taken with water.
- Syrup: Shake gently if instructed on the label; measure the dose using the calibrated dosing cup/syringe provided, not an ordinary kitchen spoon.
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is close to the time of the next dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped. Do not double the dose.
Interaction of Deslor Kids
Deslor Kids has a low potential for clinically significant drug interactions. Documented interactions include:
- Ketoconazole, erythromycin, azithromycin (and other CYP3A4 inhibitors): Co-administration increases plasma concentrations of Deslor Kids and its metabolite, but no clinically relevant changes in safety (including QT interval) have been observed in controlled studies.
- Fluoxetine, cimetidine: Similarly increase plasma levels of Deslor Kids without associated clinically significant adverse effects at recommended doses.
- Alcohol and other CNS depressants: Deslor Kids does not potentiate the psychomotor-impairing effects of alcohol in most studies, but concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants (sedatives, opioids) should be approached with caution as individual sensitivity varies.
Contraindications
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).
Side Effects of Deslor Kids
Deslor Kids 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.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
Data on the use of Deslor Kids in human pregnancy are limited. Animal reproduction studies have not shown teratogenic effects at exposures well above the recommended human dose, but this does not guarantee safety in humans. Deslor Kids should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus; a physician should always be consulted before use. When treatment with an antihistamine is required during pregnancy, second-generation agents such as Deslor Kids are generally preferred over first-generation antihistamines due to their more favorable safety profile.
Lactation
Deslor Kids and its active metabolite pass into human breast milk. A decision should be made, in consultation with a physician, whether to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue/avoid Deslor Kids, taking into account the benefit of breastfeeding and the mother's clinical need for the medication.
Precautions & Warnings
- Renal/hepatic impairment: Clearance of Deslor Kids is reduced in patients with significant renal or hepatic impairment; a lower starting dose (5 mg every other day in adults) is recommended (see Dosage and Administration).
- CNS depressant use/alcohol: Although clinically significant potentiation has not been consistently demonstrated, caution is advised when combining Deslor Kids with alcohol or other CNS depressants, as individual sensitivity to sedation can vary.
- Hypersensitivity: Discontinue immediately if signs of a hypersensitivity reaction occur (see Contraindications and Side Effects).
- General: Do not exceed the recommended dose. Use in children only within the approved age- and weight-based dosing described in Use in Special Populations.
Overdose Effects of Deslor Kids
Reported effects of Deslor Kids overdose have included somnolence in adults and, in children, initial CNS excitation followed by somnolence. There is no specific antidote for Deslor Kids overdose. Deslor Kids and its major metabolite are not removed by hemodialysis, and it is not known whether they are removed by peritoneal dialysis.
If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center/emergency services right away. Treatment consists of general symptomatic and supportive measures, which should be initiated promptly and maintained as needed under medical supervision. Do not attempt to manage a suspected overdose with home remedies.
Storage Conditions
Store at room temperature (below 30°C), away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Use In Special Populations
- Pediatric use: Approved from 6 months of age for perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria (syrup), and from 2 years for seasonal allergic rhinitis. Safety and efficacy of Deslor Kids have not been established in infants below 6 months of age. See Pediatric Uses for full detail.
- Geriatric use: Clinical studies of Deslor Kids have not identified differences in response between elderly and younger patients; dose adjustment based on age alone is not required, though age-related decline in renal/hepatic function should be considered.
- Renal impairment: Reduced dose (5 mg every other day) recommended in adults with significant renal impairment, due to reduced drug clearance.
- Hepatic impairment: Reduced dose (5 mg every other day) recommended in adults with significant hepatic impairment, due to reduced drug clearance.
- Pregnancy and lactation: See Pregnancy and Lactation section.
Duration Of Treatment
Duration of Deslor Kids therapy depends on the indication being treated:
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis: Typically used for the duration of seasonal allergen exposure, as needed, under medical guidance.
- Perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria: May be used for longer-term, continuous daily therapy as directed by a physician, with periodic reassessment of ongoing need.
Treatment duration should always follow the prescribing physician's advice rather than a fixed rule.
Drug Classes
Desloratadine belongs to the antihistamine drug class, specifically the second-generation (non-sedating), selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonist subclass, and is the major active metabolite of loratadine.
Mode Of Action
Desloratadine works by selectively binding to and blocking peripheral histamine H1-receptors, preventing histamine (released from mast cells and basophils during allergic reactions) from producing its characteristic effects — vasodilation, increased capillary permeability, mucus secretion, and stimulation of sensory nerve endings that cause itching and sneezing. Because Desloratadine penetrates the central nervous system minimally at therapeutic doses, it produces these anti-allergic effects with a substantially lower risk of sedation compared with first-generation antihistamines.
Pregnancy
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Pediatric Uses
Deslor Kids has established pediatric indications, with dosing and approved age ranges as follows:
- 6 months to 11 years: Approved for perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria, using the age-appropriate syrup dose (see Dosage and Administration).
- 2 years and older: Approved for seasonal allergic rhinitis.
- 6 years and older: Orally disintegrating tablet formulation may be used.
- 12 years and older: Adult tablet dose (5 mg) applies.
Safety and efficacy of Deslor Kids have not been established in infants younger than 6 months of age for any indication; Deslor Kids should not be used in this age group outside specific medical direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Deslor Kids 15 ml Pediatric Drops used for?
A: Deslor Kids 15 ml Pediatric Drops 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.
Q: Does Deslor Kids 15 ml Pediatric Drops cause drowsiness?
A: Deslor Kids 15 ml Pediatric Drops 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.
Q: Can Deslor Kids 15 ml Pediatric Drops be used during pregnancy?
A: Deslor Kids 15 ml Pediatric Drops 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.
Q: Is Deslor Kids 15 ml Pediatric Drops safe for children?
A: Deslor Kids 15 ml Pediatric Drops 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.
Q: What should I do if I take too much Deslor Kids 15 ml Pediatric Drops?
A: If an overdose of Deslor Kids 15 ml Pediatric Drops is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center/emergency services right away rather than attempting home treatment.
Q: Can I take Deslor Kids 15 ml Pediatric Drops with other medicines or alcohol?
A: Deslor Kids 15 ml Pediatric Drops 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.