Generic name: desloratadine [ DES-lor-A-ta-deen ]
Brand names: Clarinex, Clarinex Reditabs, Aerius
Dosage forms: oral tablet (5 mg), oral tablet, disintegrating (2.5 mg; 5 mg)
Drug class: Antihistamines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 14, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is desloratadine?

Desloratadine is an antihistamine that is used to treat the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, watery eyes, itching, and runny nose.

Desloratadine is also used to treat skin hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions.

Desloratadine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Desloratadine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects of desloratadine may include:

• dry mouth, sore throat;

• muscle pain;

• drowsiness, tiredness; or

• menstrual pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use desloratadine if you are allergic to desloratadine or to loratadine (Claritin).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease; or

• liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I take desloratadine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take desloratadine with or without food.

Carefully follow your doctor's dosing instructions when giving this medicine to a child. Desloratadine should not be given to a child younger than 6 months old.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Remove an orally disintegrating tablet from the package only when you are ready to take the medicine. Place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve, without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Protect the liquid medicine from light.

Desloratadine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

5 mg orally once a day

Uses:
-Relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis
-Relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis
-Symptomatic relief of pruritus, reduction in the number of hives, and size of hives in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria

Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria:

5 mg orally once a day

Uses:
-Relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis
-Relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis
-Symptomatic relief of pruritus, reduction in the number of hives, and size of hives in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

6 to 11 months: 1 mg orally once a day
12 months to 5 years: 1.25 mg orally once a day
6 to 11 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day
12 years and older: 5 mg orally once a day

Uses:
-Patients 6 months and older: Relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis
-Patients 6 months and older: Symptomatic relief of pruritus, reduction in the number of hives, and size of hives in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria
-Patients 2 years and older: Relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria:

6 to 11 months: 1 mg orally once a day
12 months to 5 years: 1.25 mg orally once a day
6 to 11 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day
12 years and older: 5 mg orally once a day

Uses:
-Patients 6 months and older: Relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis
-Patients 6 months and older: Symptomatic relief of pruritus, reduction in the number of hives, and size of hives in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria
-Patients 2 years and older: Relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking desloratadine?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect desloratadine?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a cold or allergy medicine;

• cimetidine;

• fluoxetine (Prozac);

• ketoconazole; or

• an antibiotic--azithromycin (Z-Pak) or erythromycin.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect desloratadine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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