Desloratadine
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
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:
-
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.
Related/similar drugs
Fluticasone nasal
Fluticasone nasal is used for allergic rhinitis, allergies, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal ...
Diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to treat sneezing, runny nose, itching, hives and other ...
Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone is used to treat inflammatory conditions such as allergies, skin conditions ...
Benadryl
Benadryl is an antihistamine and is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, itching and other ...
Cetirizine
Cetirizine treats cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose ...
Methylprednisolone
Methylprednisolone is used to treat conditions such as allergies, arthritis, lupus and ulcerative ...
Loratadine
Loratadine is an antihistamine and is used to treat the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing ...
Montelukast
Montelukast helps to reduce inflammation and may be used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and ...
Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax) is used to treat anxiety disorders and allergic conditions ...
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
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;
-
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.
More about desloratadine
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (35)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: antihistamines
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
- Desloratadine advanced reading
- Desloratadine Orally Disintegrating Tablets
- Desloratadine Tablets
- Desloratadine Syrup
Other brands
Professional resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
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.
Copyright 1996-2025 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 8.01.