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Desloratadine

  • Desloratadine is an antihistamine. It relieves the symptoms of allergic conditions.

About desloratadine

Type of medicine Antihistamine
Used for Allergic conditions
Also called Neoclarityn®
Available as Tablets
Oral syrup

Exposure to pollen, pet fur, house dust or insect bites can cause the body to produce a chemical called histamine. The release of histamine causes allergic symptoms which can include rashes, sneezing, watery eyes and a running or blocked nose. Desloratidine works by stopping the effects of histamine and helping to relieve these symptoms of allergic conditions.

Before taking desloratadine

Before taking desloratadine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from epilepsy or porphyria.
  • If you have an intolerance to some sugars.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other antihistamine, or other medicine.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take desloratadine

  • Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take desloratidine with a drink of water. It may be taken with or without a meal.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses together to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you buy any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside desloratadine.
  • Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, do so in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.

Can desloratadine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Tiredness, drowsiness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Dry mouth Try sucking sugar-free gum, pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms that you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store desloratadine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3781		 DocRef:
dils3785		 Last Updated:
12 Mar 2008		 Date of Next Review:
12 Mar 2010		 Version:
22






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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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