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Desloratadine - Uses - Dosages - Side Effects - Precautions

Desloratadine: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Desloratadine?

Desloratadine is a second-generation antihistamine. It is used for treating allergic symptoms caused by various allergies to food, dust, insect bites, medications, etc. Antihistamines are the group of drugs that work by blocking a chemical called histamine. When you are allergic to certain substances like dust or peanuts, our immune system sometimes mistakenly recognises it as a harmful substance and releases histamine and other chemicals. Histamine is found to be responsible for all the symptoms of allergy.

What are the uses of Desloratadine?

Desloratadine is used for treating non-seasonal and seasonal allergies. It does not cure the allergy, but it treats all the symptoms caused by the different allergies like

  • Sneezing
  • Itching
  • Hay fever
  • Rash
  • Runny nose
  • Redness
  • Watery eyes
  • Cough
  • Hives
  • Raised bumps on the skin

It is used to treat skin rash and itching in patients suffering from chronic diseases of the skin. It is a long-lasting antihistamine and can treat the common cold, asthma, and nasal congestion.

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What are the side effects of Desloratadine?

Desloratadine can cause a few side effects, such as

  • Drowsiness
  • Weight gain
  • Dry mouth
  • Soreness
  • Muscle pain
  • Diarrhoea
  • Dizziness
  • Pain during menstruation
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Difficulty in breathing 
  • Swelling of hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, tongue, etc

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Desloratadine

1. Can I take Desloratadine during pregnancy?

A study has shown that Desloratadine is not associated with increased risks like significant congenital disabilities, preterm delivery, spontaneous abortions, or a decrease in the baby’s size. Consult a doctor before taking any medication.

2. Can I take Desloratadine with amitriptyline hydrochloride?

Both drugs taken at the same time can cause some serious drug interactions. Amitriptyline hydrochloride increases the effects of Desloratadine. It can cause changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Desloratadine increases the effects of amitriptyline, such as central nervous system depressant activity.

3. Does Desloratadine cause abdominal gas?

Desloratadine does not cause abdominal gas. It helps in treating indigestion and other gastric conditions. All second-generation antihistamines, along with Desloratadine, can lower the amount of gastric acid produced in the stomach.

4. Does Desloratadine cause weight gain?

Desloratadine is known to cause weight gain by stimulating appetite. The part of the brain that controls the appetite has receptors for histamine. When antihistamines block the receptors, the brain doesn't receive the signal. It leads to overeating and weight gain.

5. Is Desloratadine a steroid?

No, Desloratadine is not a steroid. It’s an antihistamine. Sometimes steroids are also used to treat allergic symptoms. They are used either alone or in combination with an antihistamine. They both have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

6. Is Desloratadine safe in pregnancy?

Most antihistamines are safe in pregnancy, including Desloratadine. It does not have any side effects on the baby, according to a study. But it is always important to consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.

7. Does Desloratadine make you sleepy?

Desloratadine is a second-generation antihistamine. It is developed to cause less drowsiness when taken in appropriate quantities. However, it can still cause sleepiness in some people. It is recommended not to take this medicine while driving or operating heavy machinery.

8. How strong is Desloratadine?

Desloratadine is an active by-product of another antihistamine known as loratadine. Therefore it is significantly stronger in providing relief for various signs and symptoms of nasal congestion and allergies.

9. Who should not use Desloratadine?

Patients with liver and kidney diseases should not use Desloratadine. Here the effects last longer as the drug is not effectively removed. It is also contraindicated in PKU or Phenylketonuria. In older people, the impact of Desloratadine will last longer due to a decrease in general metabolism.

10. Can I take Desloratadine daily?

Antihistamines like Desloratadine are considered to be safe in people over 12 years of age in recommended doses. However, there are side effects associated with Desloratadine. For long-term usage, it is always recommended to consult a doctor regularly for monitoring the effects of the drug.

11. How quickly does Desloratadine work?

Desloratadine starts to show its effects after 75 minutes. Its effects can last up to 24 hours. It reaches its peak level in the body after 3 hours. Desloratadine has a long half-life of 27 hours, which means it takes around 27 hours to eliminate half of the amount of the drug from the body.

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Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.