Desloratadine

Indications
Allergic Rhinitis: Desloratadine is indicated for the relief of the nasal and non-nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis (Both seasonal and perennial) in patients 2 years of age and older.
Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: Desloratadine is also indicated for the symptomatic relief of pruritus, reduction in the number of hives, and size of hives, in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria 2 years of age and older.

Therapeutic Class
Non-sedating antihistamines

Pharmacology
Desloratadine is a long-acting, tricyclic, non-sedating, selective peripheral histamine H1-receptor antagonist which inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory mediators from human mast cells and basophils.

Dosage & Administration
Pediatric drops :
Child 6 -11 months of age: 2 ml drops once daily
Child 1 -2 years of age: 2.5 ml drops once daily
Syrup:
Child 6-11 months of age: 2 ml once daily
Child 1-5 years of age: 2.5 ml once daily
Child 6-11 years of age: 5 ml once daily
Adults & > 12 years of age: 10 ml once daily
Tablet:
Adults and children 12 years of age and over: 5 mg daily

Interaction
Concomitant administration of Erythromycin, Ketoconazole, Azithromycin, Fluoxetine, and Cimetidine with Desloratadine increased the plasma concentration of Desloratadine. But there were no clinically relevant changes in the safety profile of Desloratadine.

Contraindications
Desloratadine is contraindicated in patient having hypersensitivity to this medication or to any of its ingredients or Loratadine.

Side Effects
Desloratadine is generally well tolerated. However, dry mouth, fatigue, somnolence and myalgia are commonly reported side-effects. Less common side-effects may include dizziness, headache and nausea. Rarely rash, pruritus and urticaria may occur.

Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, Desloratadine should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Lactation: Desloratadine passes into breast milk. Therefore, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue Desloratadine, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Precautions & Warnings
Hepatic and renal impairment. Pregnancy and lactation.

Use in Special Populations
Paediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of Desloratadine in pediatric patients under 2 years of age have not been established.
Geriatric Use: In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
In adult patients with liver or renal impairment: A starting dose of one 5 mg tablet every other day is recommended based on pharmacokinetic data.

Overdose Effects
No clinically relevant adverse events have been reported in case of overdosage. However, in the event of overdosage, symptomatic and supportive treatment is recommended.

Storage Conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light.