Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
tablet
- 5mg
tablet, oral disintegrating
- 2.5mg
- 5mg
oral syrup
- 0.5mg/mL
Allergic Rhinitis & Urticaria
5 mg PO qDay
Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
Indicated for relief of pruritus and hives associated with chronic iodiopathic urticaria
5 mg PO qDay
Dosage Modifications
Renal impairment: 5 mg PO every other day
Hepatic impairment: Not studied
Dosage Forms & Strengths
tablet
- 5mg
tablet, oral disintegrating
- 2.5mg
- 5mg
oral syrup
- 0.5mg/mL
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis, Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
<6 months: Safety and efficacy not established
6-12 months: 1 mg PO qDay
1-5 years: 1.25 mg PO qDay
6-12 years: 2.5 mg PO qDay
12 years or older: 5 mg PO qDay
Allergic Rhinitis & Urticaria
2-5 years: 1.25 mg PO qDay
6-12 years: 2.5 mg PO qDay
Dosage Modifications
Use in renal or hepatic impairment not studied in children
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (8)
- erdafitinib
erdafitinib will increase the level or effect of desloratadine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. If coadministration unavoidable, separate administration by at least 6 hr before or after administration of P-gp substrates with narrow therapeutic index.
- isocarboxazid
isocarboxazid increases effects of desloratadine by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Isocarboxazid should not be administered in combination with antihistamines because of potential additive CNS depressant effects. MAO inhibitors also prolong and intensify anticholinergic effects of antihistamines. .
- lasmiditan
lasmiditan increases levels of desloratadine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- metoclopramide intranasal
desloratadine, metoclopramide intranasal. Either increases effects of the other by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Avoid use of metoclopramide intranasal or interacting drug, depending on importance of drug to patient.
- olopatadine intranasal
desloratadine and olopatadine intranasal both increase sedation. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Coadministration increases risk of CNS depression, which can lead to additive impairment of psychomotor performance and cause daytime impairment.
- sotorasib
sotorasib will decrease the level or effect of desloratadine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. If use is unavoidable, refer to the prescribing information of the P-gp substrate for dosage modifications.
- tepotinib
tepotinib will increase the level or effect of desloratadine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. If concomitant use unavoidable, reduce the P-gp substrate dosage if recommended in its approved product labeling.
- tranylcypromine
tranylcypromine increases effects of desloratadine by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Tranylcypromine should not be administered in combination with antihistamines because of potential additive CNS depressant effects. MAO inhibitors also prolong and intensify anticholinergic effects of antihistamines.
Monitor Closely (27)
- amifampridine
desloratadine increases toxicity of amifampridine by Other (see comment). Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Comment: Amifampridine can cause seizures. Coadministration with drugs that lower seizure threshold may increase this risk.
- berotralstat
berotralstat will increase the level or effect of desloratadine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor. Monitor or titrate P-gp substrate dose if coadministered.
- bosutinib
bosutinib increases levels of desloratadine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cenobamate
cenobamate, desloratadine. Either increases effects of the other by sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- crizotinib
crizotinib increases levels of desloratadine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor.
- daridorexant
desloratadine and daridorexant both increase sedation. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration increases risk of CNS depression, which can lead to additive impairment of psychomotor performance and cause daytime impairment.
- diazepam intranasal
diazepam intranasal, desloratadine. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration may potentiate the CNS-depressant effects of each drug.
- donepezil transdermal
donepezil transdermal, desloratadine. Either decreases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- eliglustat
eliglustat increases levels of desloratadine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Monitor therapeutic drug concentrations, as indicated, or consider reducing the dosage of the P-gp substrate and titrate to clinical effect.
- esketamine intranasal
esketamine intranasal, desloratadine. Either increases toxicity of the other by sedation. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- fostamatinib
fostamatinib will increase the level or effect of desloratadine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor. Concomitant use of fostamatinib may increase concentrations of P-gp substrates. Monitor for toxicities of the P-gp substrate drug that may require dosage reduction when given concurrently with fostamatinib.
- gabapentin
gabapentin, desloratadine. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration of CNS depressants can result in serious, life-threatening, and fatal respiratory depression. Use lowest dose possible and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation.
- gabapentin enacarbil
gabapentin enacarbil, desloratadine. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration of CNS depressants can result in serious, life-threatening, and fatal respiratory depression. Use lowest dose possible and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation.
- glecaprevir/pibrentasvir
glecaprevir/pibrentasvir will increase the level or effect of desloratadine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor.
- istradefylline
istradefylline will increase the level or effect of desloratadine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor. Istradefylline 40 mg/day increased peak levels and AUC of P-gp substrates in clinical trials. Consider dose reduction of sensitive P-gp substrates.
- ivacaftor
ivacaftor increases levels of desloratadine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor. Ivacaftor and its M1 metabolite has the potential to inhibit P-gp; may significantly increase systemic exposure to sensitive P-gp substrates with a narrow therapeutic index.
- lomitapide
lomitapide increases levels of desloratadine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Consider reducing dose when used concomitantly with lomitapide.
- lonafarnib
lonafarnib will increase the level or effect of desloratadine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Lonafarnib is a weak P-gp inhibitor. Monitor for adverse reactions if coadministered with P-gp substrates where minimal concentration changes may lead to serious or life-threatening toxicities. Reduce P-gp substrate dose if needed.
- lurasidone
lurasidone, desloratadine. Either increases toxicity of the other by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Potential for increased CNS depressant effects when used concurrently; monitor for increased adverse effects and toxicity.
- midazolam intranasal
midazolam intranasal, desloratadine. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Concomitant use of barbiturates, alcohol, or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of hypoventilation, airway obstruction, desaturation, or apnea and may contribute to profound and/or prolonged drug effect.
- phenelzine
phenelzine increases effects of desloratadine by Other (see comment). Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Comment: Potential for dangerous interaction. Use with caution and monitor closely.
- ponatinib
ponatinib increases levels of desloratadine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pregabalin
pregabalin, desloratadine. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration of CNS depressants can result in serious, life-threatening, and fatal respiratory depression. Use lowest dose possible and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation.
- sarecycline
sarecycline will increase the level or effect of desloratadine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor. Monitor for toxicities of P-gp substrates that may require dosage reduction when coadministered with P-gp inhibitors.
- stiripentol
stiripentol will increase the level or effect of desloratadine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Consider reducing the dose of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates, if adverse reactions are experienced when administered concomitantly with stiripentol.
stiripentol, desloratadine. Either increases effects of the other by sedation. Use Caution/Monitor. Concomitant use stiripentol with other CNS depressants, including alcohol, may increase the risk of sedation and somnolence. - tucatinib
tucatinib will increase the level or effect of desloratadine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor. Consider reducing the dosage of P-gp substrates, where minimal concentration changes may lead to serious or life-threatening toxicities.
- vemurafenib
vemurafenib increases levels of desloratadine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor.
Minor (6)
- erythromycin base
erythromycin base increases levels of desloratadine by decreasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- erythromycin ethylsuccinate
erythromycin ethylsuccinate increases levels of desloratadine by decreasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- erythromycin lactobionate
erythromycin lactobionate increases levels of desloratadine by decreasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- erythromycin stearate
erythromycin stearate increases levels of desloratadine by decreasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- ketoconazole
ketoconazole increases levels of desloratadine by decreasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- levoketoconazole
levoketoconazole increases levels of desloratadine by decreasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
Adverse Effects
Varies in incidence & severity with the individual drug; also individual patients vary in susceptibility
>10%
Headache (14%)
Fever (12%)
Irritability (12%)
Diarrhea (15%)
Upper respiratory infection (11%)
Cough (11%)
1-10%
Dizziness (4%)
Somnolence (2%)
Dizziness (4%)
Fatigue (2%)
Erythema (2%)
Macupopular rash (3%)
Dysmenorrhea (2%)
Urinary tract infection (4%)
Bronchitis (6%)
Epistaxis (3%)
Postmarketing Reports
Tachycardia, palpitation
Hypersensitivity reactions, rare (eg, rash, pruritus, urticaria, edema, dyspnea, and anaphylaxis)
Psychomotor hyperactivity, movement disorders (including dystonia, tics, and extrapyramidal symptoms), seizures
Elevated liver enzymes including bilirubin, hepatitis (rare)
Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Increased appetite
Warnings
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity to desloratadine or loratadine or components
Cautions
Caution in slow metabolizers; may increase incidence of side effects
Some products may contain sodium benzoate/benzoic acid (a metabolite of benzyl alcohol), associated with potentially fatal toxicity in neonates (gasping syndrome) when used in large amounts; some products may also contain phenylalanine
Use with caution in hepatic/renal impairment
Drug interaction overview
- May potentiate effect of sedatives, including alcohol
- Coadministration of desloratadine with ketoconazole, erythromycin, or azithromycin resulted in increased plasma concentrations of desloratadine and 3 hydroxydesloratadine, but no clinically relevant changes in safety profile of desloratadine reported
- Coadministration of desloratadine with cimetidine, a histamine H2-receptor antagonist, resulted in increased plasma concentrations of desloratadine and 3 hydroxydesloratadine, but no clinically relevant changes in safety profile of desloratadine reported
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
The limited available data in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage; there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women
Reproductive potential
- There are no data available on human infertility associated with desloratadine
- Female: There were no clinically relevant effects of desloratadine on female fertility in rats
- Male: A male specific decrease in fertility occurred at an oral desloratadine dose of ≥12 mg/kg in rats (approximately 65 times the RHD); male fertility was unaffected at a desloratadine dose of 3 mg/kg (approximately 10 times the RHD)
Animal data
- Desloratadine given during organogenesis to pregnant rats was not teratogenic at approximately 320 times that at recommended human daily oral dose (RHD) of 5 mg/day
- Desloratadine given during organogenesis to pregnant rabbits was not teratogenic at AUC-based exposures of desloratadine approximately 230 times that at RHD.
- Desloratadine given to pregnant rats during organogenesis through lactation resulted in reduced body weight and slow righting reflex of F1 pups at exposures of desloratadine and its metabolite approximately 70 times or greater than that at the RHD
Lactation
Desloratadine and pseudoephedrine both pass into breast milk; there are no sufficient data on effects of desloratadine on breastfed infant or effects of desloratadine on milk production
The decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue drug, taking into account developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding, the nursing mother’s clinical need, and any potential adverse effects on breastfed infant from therapy or from underlying maternal condition
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Long-acting antihistamine (H1 receptor antagonist)
Pharmacokinetics
Half-Life: 27 hr
Onset: 1 hr
Duration: 24 hr
Peak Plasma Time: 3 hr
Protein Bound: 82-87%
Metabolism: Liver
Metabolites: 3-hydroxydesloratadine
Excretion: Urine 50%, feces 50%
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| desloratadine oral - | 5 mg tablet |  | |
| desloratadine oral - | 5 mg tablet |  | |
| desloratadine oral - | 2.5 mg tablet |  | |
| desloratadine oral - | 5 mg tablet |  | |
| desloratadine oral - | 5 mg tablet |  | |
| Clarinex oral - | 5 mg tablet |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
desloratadine oral
DESLORATADINE - ORAL
(des-lor-AT-uh-deen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Clarinex
USES: Desloratadine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. It works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking desloratadine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.If you are using the rapidly-dissolving tablet, allow the tablet to dissolve on the tongue and then swallow, with or without water. Do not remove the tablet from the blister pack until right before using. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed.Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Sore throat, nausea, tiredness, stomach upset, or muscle pain may occur. Fever, loss of appetite, diarrhea, or trouble sleeping may also occur, especially in children. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking desloratadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to loratadine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease.Desloratadine does not usually cause drowsiness when used at recommended doses. However, do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).Liquid products and the rapidly-dissolving tablets may contain sugar. The rapidly-dissolving tablets may also contain aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Desloratadine is very similar to loratadine. Do not use medications containing loratadine while using desloratadine.This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as allergy skin testing), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: drowsiness.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised June 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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