Desloratadine

Desloratadine is an antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms, including sneezing, watery eyes, itching, and a runny nose.

Desloratadine is also used to treat skin hives and itching in individuals with ongoing skin reactions.

Desloratadine may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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

You can 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 let it dissolve, without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves.

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

Follow all the instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform all your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are using.

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).

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling in 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 happen. Call your doctor for advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

5 mg orally once a dayUses:-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 dayUses:-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 day12 months to 5 years: 1.25 mg orally once a day6 to 11 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day12 years and older: 5 mg orally once a dayUses:-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 day12 months to 5 years: 1.25 mg orally once a day6 to 11 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day12 years and older: 5 mg orally once a dayUses:-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

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

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

Follow your doctor's instructions about any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

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.