Desloratadine, also known as decarboethoxyloratadine, is a drug that belongs to the category of antihistamines. It is an active metabolic of loratadine and causes the same pharmacological effect as its original compound; it is used mainly to alleviate allergies and the symptoms caused by them; however, Desloratadine differs in that it produces less drowsiness than other antihistamines.
This drug releases its compounds slowly throughout the body, so it is considered prolonged release and is responsible for blocking receptors for histamine. This substance causes an allergic reaction in the body. If you want to know everything you need about this drug, in the following FastlyHealarticle, we detail all the information related to Desloratadine: what it is for and its side effects.
Table of Contents
What is Desloratadine used for?
Desloratadine, like all antihistamine drugs, is used primarily for allergies, which means that this drug is also ideal for relieving all allergy-causing symptoms. Therefore, the doctor may prescribe Desloratadine to ease hay fever, soothe itching, and sneezing, improve rhinorrhea, that is, runny nose, and soothe red and watery eyes.
Also, this drug can be used to avoid different allergies with less drowsiness than other types of antihistamines since it inhibits histamine receptors. Histamine is a substance that has necessary functions in the body; However, in an allergic reaction, this substance is released by some white blood cells when they come into contact with an allergen and causes the blood capillaries to increase in size, at the same time that a liquid is released through the blood vessels and this results in localized swelling.
On the other hand, rhinitis developed by allergies and disorders caused by pollen can also be treated with this drug. At the same time, Desloratadine can be used to improve the problems of urticaria, a pathology that causes hives and skin tingling.
How to use Desloratadine – correct way to use it and dosage
You must never self-medicate, so the only way to start taking Desloratadine is under a doctor’s prescription. Generally, it is indicated to take it orally once a day, whether fasting or not. However, its dosage may vary depending on each patient and particular case.
There are several presentations of Desloratadine; you can find it in the form of syrup, pills, or disintegrable and regular tablets or oral solutions. It is highly recommended to follow the medicine’s instructions and the doctor’s instructions before ingesting.
Desloratadine can be consumed from 6 months of age, always under the supervision of a professional. Children from 1 to 5 years old are frequently administered 1.25 mg a single daily dose. In comparison, in children from 6 to 12 years, the ideal is 2.5 mg once a day, and, finally, in adolescents and adults, 5 mg is recommended as a single dose every day. However, it will always depend on the disorder to be treated and the patient’s condition, both general and the alteration, so it is essential to consult a doctor.
Desloratadine side effects
Like any medicine, Desloratadine carries specific adverse symptoms, the appearance of which also depends on the predisposition of the person who consumes it, and, if any are noticed, it is essential to see a specialist immediately to regulate the condition, either to stop taking it, decrease the dose or indicate a change of medication if the discomfort persists. In adults, the most common side effects of Desloratadine are:
- Dizziness
- Migraine
- Fatigue
- Muscle and throat pain
- Stomach ache
- Dry mouth
- A little insomnia
In children, side effects such as fever, diarrhea, and insomnia can be detailed, although lesser than other drugs of this type.
On the other hand, in sporadic cases, Desloratadine has caused anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, and skin rashes. Also, rarely were cases found in which it causes tachycardia, palpitations, hepatitis, increased bilirubin, seizures, and psychomotor hyperactivity.
Desloratadine contraindications
Likewise, it is convenient to know which cases a drug is not recommended. Therefore, below we detail what the contraindications of Desloratadine are:
- If you have kidney failure.
- If you are pregnant or nursing.
- Patients with allergy or hypersensitivity to any of its components.
- The 5 mg tablets or lozenges are not recommended for children under 12.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.