Desloratadine is an oral long-acting antihistamine that is similar chemically to loratadine Claritin. It is used to treat the symptoms caused by histamine. Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for many of the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions for example swelling of the lining of the nose sneezing and itchy eyes. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells mast cells and then attaches to other cells that have receptors for histamine. The attachment of the histamine to the receptors causes the cell to be activated releasing other chemicals which produce the effects that we associate with allergy. Desloratadine blocks one type of receptor for histamine the H1 receptor and thus prevents activation of H1 receptor-containing cells by histamine. Desloratadine does not readily enter the brain from the blood and therefore causes less drowsiness sedation. It is a member of a small family of non-sedating antihistamines which includes loratadine Claritin cetirizine Zyrtec and azelastine Astelin. Desloratadine was approved by the FDA in December 2001.

The recommended dose for adults and children 12 years or older is 5 mg daily. Syrup can be used for children two years and older with the dose dependent on the age of the child. Desloratadine can be taken with or without food.

The most common side effects of desloratadine are weakness sore throat dry mouth and sleepiness.

In controlled clinical studies there were no interactions with other drugs that affected the safety or effectiveness of desloratadine.

Desloratadine is used for the treatment of allergies and chronic urticaria hives in adults and children 12 years of age or older.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Store tablets and syrup at 25°C 77°F.