Desloratadine is a drug used to relieve symptoms relating to allergies and hay fever. Classified as an antihistamine, people also use it for the treatment of hives. It is available under numerous brand names and is generally sold as a tablet, syrup, or as a pill that disintegrates in the mouth.
The medication is able to relieve several common symptoms related to hay fever and allergies by blocking histamine from reaching histamine receptors. Symptoms alleviated by the drug include runny nose, sneezing, and eye irritation. When used for hives, desloratadine can provide relief for rash and itching.
There are several common side effects associated with the use of desloratadine. Tiredness, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, sore throat, and stomach disturbances are all common effects. Use of the drug occasionally causes menstruation to become painful for women. If any common side effect of the medication lasts a long time or becomes severe, people should seek the advice of a medical professional.
Serious side effects caused by desloratadine are rare but have occurred. Some people may have a dangerous allergic reaction to the drug. Other dangerous effects include tightness of the chest, irregular heartbeat, pale stools, seizures, and swelling of the mouth, face, lips, throat, or tongue. If any extreme reaction happens following use of the antihistamine, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Seeking urgent help is also necessary if a person suspects that they may have taken an overdose.
Taking the proper dosage of desloratadine is important. People should read all information provided on the medication’s packaging to ensure appropriate use. If an individual has had this drug recommended to them by a doctor, it is essential to follow all instructions given to them by the health care professional.
It is a good idea to discuss taking desloratadine with a doctor before use, especially if a person has other medical conditions or currently takes other medications. A medical professional can advise if use of antihistamine is appropriate and also can recommend dosages for people of certain age groups, such as children and the elderly. The side effects of desloratadine may be compounded if the patient is taking another antihistamine, so the doctor should be informed.
If giving the medication to a child, speaking with a doctor first is important to ensure safety. Women who wish to take desloratadine also should talk to a doctor if they are or plan to become pregnant. Doctors generally do not recommend using the medication while breastfeeding because the drug can be passed to the baby through breast milk.
