Desloratadine

What is Desloratadine 5 mg?

Desloratadine 5 mg is a once-daily antihistamine tablet used to relieve allergy symptoms. It is a non-drowsy antihistamine. The medication is closely related to loratadine, another widely used hay fever antihistamine. When you take loratadine, your body converts it into Desloratadine.

Desloratadine Uses

Desloratadine is mainly used to relieve hay fever symptoms. It can help with:

• sneezing
• a runny or itchy nose
• an itchy roof of the mouth
• itchy, red or watery eyes

It can also help when the same symptoms are caused by other allergies, such as to house dust mites or pets. By easing these symptoms, it can help you carry on with your normal daily activities and sleep well. 

Another use of Desloratadine 5 mg tablets is to relieve symptoms of urticaria, a skin condition that is caused by allergies. These include itching and hives.

How Do Desloratadine Tablets Work?

When you come into contact with something you're allergic to, such as pollen, your body mistakes it for a threat and releases a chemical called histamine. Histamine causes hay fever symptoms like sneezing, itching and watery eyes.

Desloratadine blocks the parts of the body that histamine acts on, called H1 receptors. This stops histamine from triggering your symptoms. Because Desloratadine does not pass easily into the brain, the usual dose typically does not make people feel drowsy.

How Fast Does Desloratadine Work?

Desloratadine is absorbed quickly. It reaches the bloodstream within 30 minutes of taking a tablet and reaches its highest level after about 3 hours. 

Antihistamines work best when taken before you come into contact with pollen, so on high-pollen days, it can help to take your tablet before going outside.

How Effective Are Desloratadine Antihistamines?

Desloratadine has been tested in large clinical trials of people with allergic rhinitis, the condition behind hay fever. One tablet a day was shown to control symptoms for 24 hours.

Two companion studies tested Desloratadine in people with intermittent allergic rhinitis (symptoms on fewer than 4 days a week, or for less than 4 weeks at a time) and persistent allergic rhinitis (symptoms on 4 or more days a week, for more than 4 weeks). In the intermittent study of 547 people, overall symptom scores fell by 38% over 15 days with Desloratadine, compared with 28% with a placebo. In both studies, Desloratadine reduced symptoms and improved quality of life more than a placebo, with benefits seen from the second day. 

A review of 13 clinical trials involving more than 3,000 people found that Desloratadine reduced overall symptoms and nasal symptoms more than a placebo. It also improved airflow through the nose.

How to Take Desloratadine 5 mg Tablets

Desloratadine 5 mg tablets are to be taken once a day, swallowed whole. Do not split, crush or chew the medication. You should swallow it with water, and it can be administered with or without food. No further administration requirements apply.

If You Forget to Take Desloratadine Tablets

If you forget to take your Desloratadine tablet on time, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then, return to your usual schedule the next day. Never take two tablets at once to make up for a missed dose.

If You Take Too Many Desloratadine 5 mg Tablets

If you take too many Desloratadine tablets, do not panic; it will not likely result in any serious problems. However, you should still inform your clinician right away. Try to avoid overdosing as much as possible.

Desloratadine Side Effects and Cautions

Much like all medications, Desloratadine has the potential to cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them. Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to understand what to expect before starting treatment so you can make a more informed decision about whether it's suitable for you. 

Possible Side Effects of Desloratadine Tablets

In clinical studies, side effects were only slightly more common with Desloratadine than with a placebo, affecting about 3 more people in every 100. The most common were tiredness, dry mouth and headache.

The table below outlines the potential side effects of Desloratadine 5 mg tablets that were reported during clinical trials and marketing: 

For more detail regarding the side effects of Desloratadine, you can access the Patient Information Leaflet as a PDF online. If you encounter any side effects, report them to your clinician. You can also report them to the Yellow Card Scheme to help provide more information on the frequency of the side effects for future use.

Severe Allergic Reactions

In the case of a severe allergic reaction, stop taking the medication immediately and seek urgent medical advice straight away. Severe reactions to Desloratadine may include a swollen face, throat, or tongue; itching; hives; difficulty breathing; or wheezing. If you encounter any of these, call 999 or go to A&E straight away. 

Desloratadine Tablets Warnings and Interactions

Desloratadine 5 mg tablets are an effective treatment for hay fever, but they may not be suitable for everyone. For example, do not take them if you are allergic to Desloratadine, loratadine (found in Clarityn), or any other ingredients in the medicine.

No important interactions with other medicines were found in clinical trials, but take care if you drink alcohol while taking Desloratadine. Tell your clinician about any other treatments you’re taking so they can ensure the medication is suitable for you. This includes any over-the-counter or herbal medicines. 

Precautions Before Taking Desloratadine

Before you start taking Desloratadine, it is important that you inform your clinician if you have:

• Poor kidney function
• A medical or family history of seizures
• Been told that you have an intolerance to some sugars. This is because Desloratadine tablets contain lactose.

If you’re unsure about whether any of the above conditions apply to you, speak to your clinician for further advice. 

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Desloratadine is not a recommended treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may be possible to use the medication under these conditions, but only with a clinician’s approval. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or expecting to be soon, speak to your clinician first before starting this treatment.

Driving and Using Machinery

Desloratadine is not likely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Drowsiness is a very rare side effect of Desloratadine, but it can still occur. Make an informed decision about whether you should drive based on how your body reacts to the treatment.

Where to Buy Desloratadine 5 mg Tablets

You can buy Desloratadine 5 mg tablets from reputable sources in the UK, such as trusted pharmacies or chemists like us, Prescription Doctor. It is a prescription-only treatment, so you can't buy it over the counter.

Can You Buy Desloratadine Online?

You can purchase Desloratadine online from trusted websites like Prescription Doctor. Other sites may require a prescription by phone or in person, but we only need a short form, which you can complete at your convenience from the comfort of your home. If one of our clinicians approves it before 3pm on a weekday, Desloratadine can be dispatched from our General Pharmaceutical Council-registered pharmacy to your designated UK address for next-day delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Desloratadine Antihistamines