How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

Desloratadine belongs to a group of medications known as antihistamines, specifically the class known as H1-receptor antagonists. During an allergic reaction, the body produces a chemical called histamine, which causes allergy symptoms such as hives, runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat, congestion, and itchy watery eyes. Desloratadine works by blocking the action of histamine in the body.

This medication is used to relieve the symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergies including nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, itchy palate, coughing, and itchy watery red eyes. It is also use to relieve the symptoms of allergic skin conditions (e.g., chronic idiopathic urticaria) such as skin itch and hives. Desloratadine usually starts to work within 75 minutes and lasts for 24 hours.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

What form(s) does this medication come in?

Each blue, round, film-coated tablet for immediate release contains desloratadine 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, cornstarch, dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide, and white beeswax.

How should I use this medication?

The usual recommended dose of desloratadine tablets for adults and children 12 years of age and older is 5 mg once daily. It may be taken with or without food.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Kidney function: If you have severely reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: If you have severely reduced liver function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking desloratadine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using desloratadine tablets have not been established for children under 12 years of age. The safety and effectiveness of using desloratadine syrup have not been established for children under 2 years of age.