Desloratadine: what it is for, how to take it and side effects

2023 Author: Benjamin Dyson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 01:37

Desloratadine is an antiallergic drug that works by reducing the symptoms of allergy or allergic rhinitis, such as itchy nose, sneezing, runny nose or increased tear production, for example, and can also be used to relieve symptoms of hives, such as itching or burning sensation on the skin, and does not cause sleepiness like other antiallergics.

This medication can be found in pharmacies or drugstores in the form of a tablet or syrup with the trade name Desalex, in the form of a generic with the name desloratadine or with the similar names Destadin, Deslorana or Aleradin, for example, and only must be used with medical indication and prescription.

What is it for

Desloratadine is indicated to relieve symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis, such as a blocked or runny nose, itchy nose, eyes or roof of the mouth, watery eyes or coughing. In addition, desloratadine can also be used to relieve hives symptoms such as itchiness or a burning sensation on the skin. Know how to identify all allergy symptoms.

What is the difference between loratadine and desloratadine?

Loratadine and desloratadine are anti-allergic of the antihistamine class, have the same indications and act in the same way, preventing the action of histamine, which is the substance that causes allergy symptoms.

However, they have some differences. Desloratadine is obtained from loratadine, resulting in a drug that has a longer action time, which means that it stays in the body longer, and in addition its structure has less ability to cross the brain and cause drowsiness compared to loratadine.

How to take it

Desloratadine should be taken orally, before or after food, always at the time instructed by the doctor. However, if you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose.

The way to take desloratadine varies by presentation, and includes:

1. Desloratadine Syrup 0.5 mg/mL

Desloratadine syrup is sold in 60 or 100 mL bottles, it must be taken using the dispenser that comes in the package and the dose depends on the age of the person that includes:

• Adults and children over 12 years: 10 mL of syrup, which is equivalent to a dose of 5 mg of desloratadine, once a day. Do not take more than 10 mL in 24 hours;
• Children 6 to 11 years: 5 mL of syrup, which is equivalent to a dose of 2.5 mg of desloratadine, once a day. Do not give a dose greater than 5 mL within 24 hours;
• Children from 1 to 5 years: 2.5 mL of syrup, which is equivalent to a dose of 1.25 mg of desloratadine, once a day. Do not give a dose greater than 2.5 mL within 24 hours;
• Babies from 6 to 11 months: 2 mL of syrup, which is equivalent to a dose of 1 mg of desloratadine, once a day.

The duration of treatment with desloratadine should always be done according to medical advice.

2. Desloratadine 5 mg tablet

Desloratadine in tablet form is available in packs of 10 or 30 tablets and should be taken with a glass of water, before or after food and, for a better action of desloratadine, do not chew and do not break the tablet.

• Adults and children over 12 years: 1 tablet of 5 mg once daily.

Desloratadine tablets should not be used by children under 12 years of age.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects that may occur during treatment with desloratadine include headache, muscle pain, dry mouth, excessive tiredness, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Does Desloratadine make you sleepy?

Desloratadine is an antiallergic drug that reduces the action of histamine in the body, but does not act on the histamine present in the brain and, therefore, does not cause sleep like other antiallergic drugs that act on the central nervous system, such as dexchlorpheniramine or promethazine, for example.

Who should not use

Desloratadine should not be used by children under 6 months of age, by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by people who are allergic to desloratadine or loratadine.

In addition, desloratadine tablets should not be used by children under 12 years of age and desloratadine syrup is not indicated for people with diabetes as it contains sugar in its composition and can cause an increase in blood glucose, making control difficult. of diabetes.