Desloratadine

Overview

Desloratadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine used to relieve symptoms caused by allergies.

It is commonly used to treat hay fever (allergic rhinitis), which can cause sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy or watery eyes.

It is also used to treat hives (urticaria), helping to reduce itching and skin rashes.

Desloratadine works by blocking the effects of histamine that is released by the body after exposure to allergens such as pollen, animal fur or house dust mites.

Histamine is responsible for many allergy symptoms, including sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy or watery eyes.

By preventing histamine from binding to its receptors, desloratadine helps reduce these symptoms and provides relief from allergic conditions such as hay fever and hives.

Common side effects of desloratadine are:

• Feeling tired or sleepy.

• جفاف الفم.

• الصداع.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms that you think may be due to the medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Desloratadine may not be suitable for everyone. It is important that your doctor knows:

• إذا كنتِ حاملاً، تحاولين الإنجاب، أو تقومين بالرضاعة الطبيعية.

• إذا كنت تواجه مشاكل في طريقة عمل كليتيك.

• If you have epilepsy or there is a family history of fits (seizures).

• إذا كنت تتناول أو تستخدم أي أدوية أخرى. يشمل ذلك أي أدوية تتناولها والتي يمكن شراؤها بدون وصفة طبية، بالإضافة إلى الأدوية العشبية والمكملات الغذائية.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to another antihistamine, or to any other medicine.

• Read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. It will give you more information about desloratadine and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Recommended doses of desloratadine are:

  • For adults and for children aged over 12 years: 5 mg taken once a day.

  • For children aged 6-12 years: 2.5 mg taken once a day. This is 5 ml of the liquid medicine.

  • For children aged 1-6 years: 1.25 mg taken once a day. This is 2.5 ml of the liquid medicine.

• If you are giving desloratadine liquid medicine to a child, make sure you follow the dosing instructions on the bottle carefully so that you measure out the correct dose.

• You can take desloratadine before or after meals. Some people find it helps to swallow the tablets with a drink of water.

• إذا نسيت تناول جرعة، فتناولها بمجرد أن تتذكر. إذا لم تتذكر حتى اليوم التالي، فتجاوز الجرعة الفائتة. لا تتناول جرعتين معًا لتعويض الجرعة المنسية.

• Most people only need to take an antihistamine for a short while when they have symptoms. You should stop taking desloratadine once your symptoms have eased.

• Although desloratadine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, it can still cause drowsiness in a few people. If this happens to you, do not drive and do not use tools or machines.

• If you drink alcohol while you are on desloratadine, be aware of its effects on you and do not drink more than moderate amounts. Alcohol can increase the risk of side-effects from antihistamines.

• إذا كنت ستخضع لعملية جراحية، أو لأي علاج أو اختبارات (خاصة إذا كان الاختبار للتحقق من وجود حساسية)، تأكد من إخبارهم بأنك تتناول مضادًا للهستامين.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with an antihistamine. This is because a number of other medicines can increase the risk of side-effects.

• احفظ جميع الأدوية بعيدًا عن متناول ورؤية الأطفال.

• احفظه في مكان بارد وجاف، بعيدًا عن الحرارة المباشرة والضوء.

How long does desloratadine take to work?

Desloratadine usually starts to work within about 1 hour, with full relief from allergy symptoms often building over the first few hours after taking a dose.

How long does desloratadine last?

A single dose of desloratadine works for around 24 hours. This is why it is taken once a day to provide all-day relief from allergy symptoms.

Can I take desloratadine every day?

Yes, desloratadine can be taken daily during allergy season or while symptoms persist. For long-term or continuous symptoms, your doctor may advise ongoing use, but it should be reviewed if symptoms continue for a long time.

What should I do if desloratadine does not work?

If your symptoms do not improve after a few days, speak to a pharmacist or doctor. You may need a different antihistamine or additional treatment to better control your allergy symptoms.

Can I take desloratadine when pregnant?

It is generally considered safe to use desloratadine during pregnancy. However, always let your doctor know if you are pregnant before taking it.