In the U.S.—

In Canada—

• Antihistaminic (H ₁-receptor)

Desloratadine (des-LOR-at-a-deen) is an antihistamine. It is used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and hives of the skin.

Antihistamines work by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Also, in some persons histamine can close up the bronchial tubes (air passages of the lungs) and make breathing difficult. Histamine can also cause some persons to have hives, with severe itching of the skin.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

Oral
• Tablets (U.S. and Canada)

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For desloratadine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to desloratadine. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Desloratadine has not been studied in pregnant women. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Studies in animals have shown that desloratadine causes a decrease in successful pregnancies and a decrease in the weight of the infant.

Breast-feeding—Small amounts of desloratadine pass into the breast milk. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children—There is no specific information comparing use of desloratadine in children up to 12 years of age. This medicine has been tested in children 12 years of age and older and, in effective doses, has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.

Older adults—Desloratadine has been tested in patients 65 years of age and older and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults. However, older patients are more likely to have kidney or liver problems which may make them more sensitive to the effects of desloratadine. Your doctor may give you a different desloratadine dose if you have kidney or liver problems.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking desloratadine, it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking or using any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC] medicine.

• Liver disease or
• Kidney disease—Effects of desloratadine may be increased because of slower removal from the body.

Dosing—

Desloratadine may be taken with or without food or on a full or empty stomach. However, if your doctor tells you to take the medicine a certain way, take it exactly as directed. The dose of desloratadine may be different for different patients.Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of desloratadine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For symptoms of chronic hives:
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—5 milligrams (mg) once a day.
    • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For symptoms of hay fever:
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—5 mg once a day.
    • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose—

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—

To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light in a tightly closed container.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Rare
  • Anaphylaxis, such as, cough, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, fast heartbeat, hives, itching, puffiness or swelling of eyelids or around the eyes or face or lips or tongue, shortness of breath, skin rash, tightness in chest, unusual tiredness or weakness, wheezing;  dyspnea, such as, shortness of breath, difficult or labored breathing, tightness in chest, wheezing;  edema, such as, swelling ;  pruritus, such as, itching skin;  rash;  tachycardia, such as, fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse;  urticaria, such as, hives or welts, itching, redness of skin, skin rash. 
  
  

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• More common
  • Headache 
  
  

• Less common
  • Dizziness;  dry mouth;  dysmenorrhea, such as, difficult or painful menstruation;  dyspepsia, such as, acid or sour stomach, belching, heartburn, indigestion, stomach discomfort , upset or pain,;  fatigue, such as, unusual tiredness or weakness;  myalgia, such as, joint pain, swollen joints, muscle aching or cramping, muscle pains or stiffness, difficulty in moving;  pharyngitis, such as, body aches or pain, congestion, cough, dryness or soreness of throat, fever, hoarseness, runny nose, tender swollen glands in neck, trouble in swallowing, voice changes.;  somnolence, such as, sleepiness or unusual drowsiness;  nausea 
  
  

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.