Desloratadine - contraindications, indications, use, dosage

Desloratadine is a medication primarily used to relieve allergy symptoms. It is known as an antihistamine, which means it works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that triggers allergic symptoms.

When an individual is exposed to an allergen, the body produces histamine, which attaches to specific receptors on cells and causes symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and nasal congestion. Desloratadine works by blocking these receptors, preventing histamine from attaching and causing symptoms.

Desloratadine is a long-acting drug, meaning it stays in the system for an extended period and provides relief from symptoms for up to 24 hours. It's particularly effective at reducing symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling caused by conditions like hay fever and hives.

Importantly, Desloratadine does not cure allergies but rather manages the symptoms. As such, it should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy for avoiding allergens and minimizing exposure.

Desloratadine is primarily indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the inside of the nose caused by an allergy to pollen, dust mites, mold, etc.) in adults and children aged 12 years and older. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis can include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and itching of the nose, roof of the mouth, throat, eyes, or ears.

It is also indicated for treating chronic idiopathic urticaria, a skin condition characterized by the development of hives, swelling, itching, and other symptoms. Chronic idiopathic urticaria is a type of chronic hives that do not have an identifiable cause.

In some cases, desloratadine might be used to alleviate the symptoms of other allergic conditions, but it is advisable to consult with your doctor or pharmacist for details.

Despite its efficacy, desloratadine should not be used to treat serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) or asthma attacks as it will not provide immediate relief.

Desloratadine, an antihistamine drug, has specific circumstances where it should not be used due to potential negative health impacts. These circumstances, known as contraindications, are essential for doctors and patients to consider before starting a course of treatment. This section will specifically address these contraindications.

Firstly, Desloratadine is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients. Hypersensitivity reactions may manifest as urticaria, angioedema, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis, all of which could be life-threatening. Therefore, it is crucial that patients disclose any known allergies to their healthcare provider prior to starting treatment.

Secondly, Desloratadine should not be used concomitantly with alcohol, as it can enhance the drug's sedative effects. This heightened sedative effect can impair the ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination, such as driving or operating machinery.

Certain medical conditions also make Desloratadine use risky. Patients with severe liver, kidney or heart disease should not use Desloratadine, as these conditions can affect how the drug is metabolized and removed from the body, leading to increased side effects and potential toxicity.

Finally, Desloratadine is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding. The drug may cause harm to the developing fetus or infant, and the potential benefits of therapy for the mother do not outweigh these risks.

Like other medications, Desloratadine can also lead to several side effects. However, not everyone will experience these side effects and they are usually mild and temporary. If you do experience any of these side effects and they persist or worsen, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Common side effects of Desloratadine include fatigue, dry mouth, and headaches. These side effects are usually mild and tend to diminish with time. If these side effects persist or become bothersome, it is suggested to consult your doctor.

Moderate side effects might include rapid heartbeat, dizziness or difficulty sleeping. These are less common but should be reported to a healthcare provider if they persist.

Rare but serious side effects can include allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.

• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Headaches
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Allergic reactions

It's worth noting that this is not an exhaustive list of side effects and others may occur. You should always consult your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.

The dosage of Desloratadine depends on the patient's age and the condition for which it is being prescribed. Generally, the recommended dosage for adults and children aged 12 years and above is 5 mg (one tablet) once daily. This dosage is effective to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria.

For children aged between 6 to 11 years, the recommended dose is 2.5 mg (half a tablet) once a day. Children aged 1 to 5 years can take 1.25 mg (quarter of a tablet) once a day. For infants aged 6 months to 11 months, the recommended dosage is 1 mg (one syrup) once daily.

Desloratadine can be taken with or without food. It is important to take this medication at the same time each day to have the best effect. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. However, if it is time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule should be continued. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

Overdosing on Desloratadine may cause drowsiness, fast or irregular heartbeat, and headache. If an overdose is suspected, seeking immediate medical attention is essential.

It is important to note that while Desloratadine is a non-prescription drug, it should be taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting or changing the dosage of Desloratadine.

Desloratadine is primarily used to relieve allergy symptoms caused by hay fever (chronic allergic rhinitis) and skin allergies (chronic idiopathic urticaria). These symptoms include sneezing, runny or itchy nose, red or watery eyes, itching on the skin and hives. The drug works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.

Furthermore, Desloratadine is also used in the treatment of allergic reactions triggered by common allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores. It is effective in managing indoor allergies as well, which may occur all year round, as well as outdoor seasonal allergies.

It's important to note that Desloratadine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and should not be used for these purposes. Moreover, it is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age unless directed by a doctor.

Desloratadine is typically taken once daily, with or without food. It's crucial to follow your doctor's instructions or the directions on the packaging. The medication is available in tablet and syrup form. The tablet should be swallowed whole, while the syrup should be measured with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup.

Like any other medication, Desloratadine should be used responsibly. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than recommended. Overuse may lead to increased side effects and decreased effectiveness of the drug.

When taking Desloratadine, there are several precautions that should be taken into account to ensure safe and effective use. It is critical to disclose your health history to your doctor before starting this medication, as certain conditions may affect how Desloratadine works or increase the risk of undesired side effects.

For individuals with renal impairment or hepatic diseases, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional. The dosage may need to be adjusted as these conditions can affect how the drug is metabolised in the body.

• It is also important to inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and herbal supplements. Desloratadine may interact with other drugs, causing an increased risk of severe side effects or changes in the effectiveness of either drug.
• Pregnant women, or women planning to become pregnant, should inform their doctor as Desloratadine can pass into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. The risk and benefits should be discussed thoroughly with your doctor.
• Avoid consuming alcohol when taking Desloratadine as it may increase drowsiness and impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. It's also advised not to perform tasks that require mental alertness until you know how Desloratadine affects you.
• Desloratadine should be used with caution in elderly patients as they are more likely to have decreased renal function, and the drug can cause dizziness or sedation, which can cause falls.

Lastly, ensure to take Desloratadine at around the same time every day to maintain a constant level of the drug in your body. Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Interactions of a drug can alter the way it works within the body, and Desloratadine isn't an exception. It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you're currently taking, including any over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Desloratadine might interact with specific types of medication:

• Antifungal drugs like Ketoconazole or Itraconazole. These can increase the level of Desloratadine in your body, leading to an increased risk of side effects.
• Antibiotics like Erythromycin or Clarithromycin. These might increase the level of Desloratadine and lead to potential side effects.
• Drugs such as Ritonavir or Indinavir used for treating HIV. They might increase the level of Desloratadine in your body, leading to an increased risk of side effects.

It's essential to avoid consuming alcohol while on Desloratadine as it can increase the risk of drowsiness. Also, avoid any other sedative-type medications unless your doctor advises you to take them.

If you are taking Desloratadine and need to start a new medication, ensure your doctor knows about your current treatment. They can check for any potential interactions and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.

The cost of Desloratadine varies and is highly dependent on a variety of factors such as the dosage, the form of medication (tablet, syrup, etc.), and the place of purchase. Prices can also fluctuate based on whether or not a generic version is available.

As a guideline, the average cost for a pack of 30, 5mg tablets of generic Desloratadine can range from $10 to $20 without insurance. This price may be lower if you have a prescription insurance plan or discount card. Name-brand versions like Clarinex may cost significantly more.

It's important to note that while generic versions are generally cheaper, they are just as effective and safe as their name-brand counterparts. Therefore, switching to a generic version can be a good way to save on medication costs.

Before purchasing Desloratadine, it's advisable to compare prices from different pharmacies. There are also online tools and apps available that can help you find the best price for your prescription.

Remember, the cost of medication shouldn't prevent you from getting the treatment you need. If you're having trouble affording Desloratadine, talk to your healthcare provider about possible alternatives or assistance programs.

When it comes to finding substitutes for Desloratadine, it's essential to first understand that these alternatives should be considered only upon consultation with a healthcare professional. Each substitute has its own set of strengths, indications, and potential side effects, which may or may not align with an individual's health status.

Some potential substitutes for Desloratadine include:

• Loratadine: This is a non-drowsy antihistamine that works similarly to Desloratadine. It's often used to alleviate symptoms of allergies, such as runny nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.
• Cetirizine: Another non-drowsy antihistamine, Cetirizine is used to provide relief from hay fever and other allergies. It's generally well-tolerated and has a similar efficacy as Desloratadine.
• Fexofenadine: This substitute is considered one of the most potent antihistamines. It's often prescribed for chronic urticaria and other severe allergy symptoms. It's non-drowsy and has a similar safety profile to Desloratadine.

Remember, it's not recommended to switch medication without first discussing it with your doctor. The effectiveness and safety of these substitutes may vary depending on individual health conditions and other factors.