• Symptoms of allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial).
• Chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Contraindicated in:

• Hypersensitivity (cross-sensitivity to loratadine may occur)
• Lactation: Lactation.

Use Cautiously in:

• Hepatic or renal impairment (↓ dose to 5 mg every other day)
• OB: Use during pregnancy only if potential maternal benefit justifies potential fetal risk
• Pedi: Children <6 mo (safety not established)
• Geri: Dosing for older adults should consider ↓ hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, concomitant diseases, other drug therapy and ↑ risk of adverse reactions.

EENT: pharyngitis.

GI: dry mouth.

Neuro: drowsiness (rare).
Misc: (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS)HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS .

Drug-Drug:

• The following interactions may occur, but are less likely to occur with desloratidine than with more sedating antihistamines.
• MAO inhibitors may ↑ and prolong effects of antihistamines.
• ↑ CNS depression may occur with other CNS depressants including alcohol, antidepressants, opioids, and sedative/hypnotics.

(Generic available)

• Oral solution (bubblegum): 0.5 mg/mL;
• Orally-disintegrating tablets (tutti frutti): 2.5 mg; 5 mg;
• Tablets: 5 mg;
• In combination with: pseudoephedrine (Clarinex-D 12 Hour, Clarinex-D 24 Hour; see Appendix [not included in this PDA edition]).

• PO (Adults and Children ≥12 yr): 5 mg once daily.
• PO (Children 6–11 yr): Oral solution: 2.5 mg once daily.
• PO (Children 12 mo–5 yr): Oral solution: 1.25 mg once daily.
• PO (Children 6–11 mo): Oral solution: 1 mg once daily.

Clarinex

• Blocks peripheral effects of histamine released during allergic reactions.

• Decreased symptoms of allergic reactions (nasal stuffiness, red swollen eyes). Decreased pruritus, reduction in number and size of hives in chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Therapeutic Classification: allergy, cold and cough remedies, antihistamines

Pharmacologic Classification: piperidines

Absorption: Well absorbed; absorption for orally-disintegrating tablets and oral tablets is identical.

Distribution: Enters breast milk.

Metabolism/Excretion: Extensively metabolized to 3-hydroxydesloratadine, an active metabolite; small percentage of patients may be slow metabolizers.

Half-life: 27 hr.

Aerius

(antihistaminic effects)

• Instruct patients to take desloratidine as directed. Do not increase dose or frequency; does not increase effectiveness and may increase side effects. Advise patient to read Patient Information before starting therapy and with each Rx refill in case of changes.
• May rarely cause drowsiness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known.
• Advise patient to avoid taking alcohol or other CNS depressants concurrently with this drug.
• Instruct patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and consult health care professional before taking any new medications.
• Advise patient that good oral hygiene, frequent rinsing of mouth with water, and sugarless gum or candy may minimize dry mouth. Patient should notify dentist if dry mouth persists >2 wk.
• Advise patient to stop taking desloratidine and notify health care professional if signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity (rash, pruritus, urticaria, edema, dyspnea, swelling of lips, mouth or throat) occur.
• Advise females of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected and to avoid breastfeeding during therapy.

dess-lor-A-ta-deen