Desloratadine

Generic Details

Generic Name

Desloratadine

Other Names

  • Aerius
  • Clarinex

Drug Class

  • Antihistamine
  • Second-generation H1-antihistamine

Chemical Formula

C19H19ClN2

Molecular Weight

310.82 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Selective antagonist of histamine H1 receptor

Indications

  • Relief of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis
  • Chronic idiopathic urticaria

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet
  • Oral Solution

Typical Dosage

  • 5mg once daily

Pediatric Dosage

  • Children 6-11 years: 2.5mg once daily
  • Children 12-17 years: 5mg once daily

Geriatric Dosage

  • No dosage adjustments needed based on age alone

Side Effects

  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to desloratadine or loratadine

Pregnancy Category

  • Category C - Safety during pregnancy has not been established

Lactation Safety

  • Caution advised, excretion into breast milk reported

Drug Interactions

  • CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole) may increase desloratadine levels

Overdose Symptoms

  • Somnolence
  • Increased heart rate

Antidote for Overdose

  • No specific antidote, standard supportive measures

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F)

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after oral administration
  • Distribution: Well-distributed throughout the body
  • Metabolism: Mainly hepatic via CYP3A4 and CYP2C9
  • Excretion: Primarily via urine (66%) and feces (32%)

Precautions

  • Use with caution in severe hepatic impairment
  • May cause drowsiness, avoid driving or operating machinery

Warnings

  • May cause paradoxical excitability in children

Others

  • Desloratadine does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier, resulting in reduced sedative effects compared to first-generation antihistamines