Desloratadine 5mg Tablets

Key points

• Non-drowsy antihistamine
• Works within 75 minutes
• Take one tablet daily

How to buy Desloratadine

You can buy Desloratadine after completing an online questionnaire, which is checked by one of our UK pharmacists. At Chemist Click, we offer next day delivery options.
 

What is Desloratadine?

Desloratadine is an antihistamine which is used to reduce symptoms associated with hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and allergy. Desloratadine works by blocking the release of histamine, a chemical that the body releases in response to an allergy. It is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine.
 

What is Desloratadine used for?

Desloratadine is used to combat symptoms such as:

• Sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy skin
• Itchy, red, and watery eyes

Take one tablet daily (with or without food)

Desloratadine is also available as a syrup or solution, for use in children. The dosage will vary depending on the child’s age.
 

What is the maximum dose of Desloratadine?

The maximum dose of Desloratadine is 5mg daily. Do not exceed this dose unless advised by your doctor. If you are prescribed more than 5mg daily, this will be unlicensed and should only be done by a specialist.

Active ingredient: Desloratadine 5mg

Inactive ingredients: Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, magnesium stearate, colloidal anhydrous.

Like all medication, Desloratadine can cause side effects; although not everyone gets them.

Side effects of Desloratadine include:

Common: Affecting up to 10% of people

• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Headache

You should always inform your doctor or pharmacist of any side effects you experience.

Do not use Desloratadine if:

• You are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medicine

You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist if:

• You have kidney problems
• You have a history or family history of seizures

Do not use desloratadine if you are pregnant. Although there does not appear to be any evidence to suggest that it will be harmful to the baby, research is limited.

Do not use desloratadine if you are breastfeeding. Although the amount of drug present in the breastmilk is not thought to be harmful, avoid use whilst breastfeeding.

You should not use Desloratadine if you are taking:

• Isocarboxazid
• Phenelzine
• Tranylcypromine

Desloratadine vs Loratadine

• Desloratadine is the end product when loratadine is broken down in the body
• In theory, it is more potent than loratadine
• Loratadine has more side effects, drowsiness being the most common
• Loratadine is available to buy over the counter and Desloratadine is not

Desloratadine vs Fexofenadine

• Studies show that Desloratadine and Fexofenadine yield similar results
• Desloratadine is a prescription only medication; Fexofenadine 180mg is prescription only but Fexofenadine 120mg is available over the counter
• Fexofenadine is cheaper

Desloratadine vs Cetirizine

• Studies indicate that Desloratadine is more effective than cetirizine
• Both treatments are once daily dosing
• Both treatments are marketed as non-drowsy
• Desloratadine is more expensive than cetirizine

Desloratadine vs Clarinex

• Desloratadine and Clarinex contain the same active ingredient
• Clarinex is not available in the UK

1. Electronic Medicines Compendium. (n.d.). Desloratadine 5mg film-coated Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). Retrieved February 20, 2024, from https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2600/

2. British National Formulary. (n.d.). Desloratadine. Retrieved February 20, 2024, from https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/desloratadine/