What is desloratadine and what is it for?

What is desloratadine?

Desloratadine is the name of an antiallergic active substance, which is used to make loratadine. It isa long-acting non-sedating antagonistof histamine (the substance that causes symptoms such as nasal secretions) at the level of H1 receptors, which include the bronchial and gastrointestinal muscles.

Desloratadine commonly comes as 5mg tablets, oral solution or 0.5 ml syrup, which are administered orally. It can be prescribed for children, adults and adolescents with common doses of 1 time a day, preferably with food.

Note: One study mentions the following information: “Desloratadine has the advantageover other antihistamines of being decongestantdoes not produce drowsiness and can be prescribed, due to its long medical life, every 24 hours.” (1)

What is desloratadine for?

This medicine and active ingredient, has specific functions for two types of allergy, withoutdirectly affecting thecentral nervous systemand also seeks to inhibit cells related to inflammation. Therefore, desloratadine serves effectively for:

1. Allergic rhinitis

This type of rhinitis is a nasal mucosal inflammation, wheresymptoms of hypersensitivity or allergy suchas sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion or pruritus appear. This condition is caused by pollen, mites present in dust or other infectious agents such as fungi.

To highlight: Desloratadine is prescribed even for cases of seasonal rhinitis, with a dose of one 5 mg tablet per day for at least 1 to 4 weeks, while relieving rhinitis symptoms.

2. Chronic hives

Urticaria can be considered an autoimmune condition, where tiny bumps or pimples appear on the skin , causing an intense itching sensation and whose chronic state can last for several years.

You should know: As it is an allergic reaction, since histamine when released causes itching in the skin fibers, 5 mg of desloratadine is recommended for at least 6 weeks, to reduce the annoying symptoms of this condition.

Desloratadine Side Effects

This antihistamine drug, like others with the same type of mechanism of action, has certain adverse reactions that are mostly frequent, although it is recommended to discontinue the drug if they are prolonged and worsen a person’s quality of life. These effects of desloratadine include:

• The headache.
• dry mouth
• Fatigue.
• Drowsiness.

Desloratadine contraindications

Desloratadine is contraindicated for a certain number of patients, who, if they need to use this drug, need to request a medical prescription. However, desloratadine is not recommended in these cases:

• Hypersensitivity to the active principle.
• Pregnancy and lactation.
• Patients with renal failure.
• Children under 12 and 6 years of age.

To highlight : A study states that: “Treatment with desloratadine should be administered with caution, in patients with a personal or family history of seizures.” (3)

Key Findings

• Desloratadine is an antihistamine medication, essential for nasal or skin allergies.
• Desloratadine is recommended for persistent allergic rhinitis or urticarial disease.
• Desloratadine can present frequent and adverse effects such as headache, fatigue and drowsiness.
• The use of desloratadine during pregnancy and lactationis not recommended.