desloratadine

Action

Suppresses histamine release at peripheral histamine₁-receptor sites

Availability

Syrup: 2.5 mg/5 ml

Tablets: 5 mg

Tablets (orally disintegrating): 2.5 mg, 5 mg

Indications and dosages

➣ Seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis; chronic idiopathic urticaria and allergies caused by indoor and outdoor allergens; pruritus; to reduce number and size of hives

Adults and children ages 12 and older: 5 mg/day P.O.

Children ages 6 to 11: 1 tsp (2.5 mg/5 ml syrup) P.O. once daily

Children ages 12 months to 5 years: ⁄2 tsp (1.25 mg in 2.5 ml syrup) P.O. once daily

Children ages 6 to 11 months: 2 ml (1 mg syrup) P.O. once daily

Dosage adjustment

• Hepatic or renal impairment

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug, its components, or loratadine

Precautions

Use cautiously in:

• renal or hepatic impairment

• elderly patients

• pregnant or breastfeeding patients

• children younger than age 12 (safety and efficacy not established, except syrup).

Administration

• Give with or without food.

Adverse reactions

CNS: dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache

CV: tachycardia, palpitations

EENT: pharyngitis, dry throat

GI: nausea, dyspepsia, dry mouth

GU: dysmenorrhea

Musculoskeletal: myalgia

Other: flulike symptoms, hypersensitivity reaction

Interactions

Drug-diagnostic tests. Bilirubin, hepatic enzymes: increased values

Skin tests: interference with positive reaction to dermal reactivity indicators

Patient monitoring

• Monitor hepatic and renal function test results.

Patient teaching

• Tell patient he may take drug with or without food.

• Instruct patient to report rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, rash, persistent flulike symptoms, or muscle ache.

• Caution patient to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until he knows how drug affects concentration and alertness.

• As appropriate, review all other significant adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the tests mentioned above.