Desloratadine

Overview

Desloratadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine used to relieve symptoms caused by allergies.

It is commonly used to treat hay fever (allergic rhinitis), which can cause sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy or watery eyes.

It is also used to treat hives (urticaria), helping to reduce itching and skin rashes.

Desloratadine works by blocking the effects of histamine that is released by the body after exposure to allergens such as pollen, animal fur or house dust mites.

Histamine is responsible for many allergy symptoms, including sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy or watery eyes.

By preventing histamine from binding to its receptors, desloratadine helps reduce these symptoms and provides relief from allergic conditions such as hay fever and hives.

Common side effects of desloratadine are:

• Feeling tired or sleepy.

• Dry mouth.

• Headache.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms that you think may be due to the medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Desloratadine may not be suitable for everyone. It is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breastfeeding.

• If you have problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have epilepsy or there is a family history of fits (seizures).

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to another antihistamine, or to any other medicine.

• Read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. It will give you more information about desloratadine and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Recommended doses of desloratadine are:

  • For adults and for children aged over 12 years: 5 mg taken once a day.

  • For children aged 6-12 years: 2.5 mg taken once a day. This is 5 ml of the liquid medicine.

  • For children aged 1-6 years: 1.25 mg taken once a day. This is 2.5 ml of the liquid medicine.

• If you are giving desloratadine liquid medicine to a child, make sure you follow the dosing instructions on the bottle carefully so that you measure out the correct dose.

• You can take desloratadine before or after meals. Some people find it helps to swallow the tablets with a drink of water.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

• Most people only need to take an antihistamine for a short while when they have symptoms. You should stop taking desloratadine once your symptoms have eased.

• Although desloratadine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, it can still cause drowsiness in a few people. If this happens to you, do not drive and do not use tools or machines.

• If you drink alcohol while you are on desloratadine, be aware of its effects on you and do not drink more than moderate amounts. Alcohol can increase the risk of side-effects from antihistamines.

• If you are having an operation, or any treatment or tests (particularly if it is to test for an allergy), make sure you say that you are taking an antihistamine.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with an antihistamine. This is because a number of other medicines can increase the risk of side-effects.

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

How long does desloratadine take to work?

Desloratadine usually starts to work within about 1 hour, with full relief from allergy symptoms often building over the first few hours after taking a dose.

How long does desloratadine last?

A single dose of desloratadine works for around 24 hours. This is why it is taken once a day to provide all-day relief from allergy symptoms.

Can I take desloratadine every day?

Yes, desloratadine can be taken daily during allergy season or while symptoms persist. For long-term or continuous symptoms, your doctor may advise ongoing use, but it should be reviewed if symptoms continue for a long time.

What should I do if desloratadine does not work?

If your symptoms do not improve after a few days, speak to a pharmacist or doctor. You may need a different antihistamine or additional treatment to better control your allergy symptoms.

Can I take desloratadine when pregnant?

It is generally considered safe to use desloratadine during pregnancy. However, always let your doctor know if you are pregnant before taking it.