Desloratadine

Desloratadine is an antihistamine used to treat moderate symptoms of seasonal hay fever (allergic rhinitis). It also treats other allergies, such as dust mites or pet fur.

It works by blocking the chemicals in your immune system that cause allergy symptoms.

It is available as a 5mg tablet that you take once a day, and it provides relief for the whole day.

Desloratadine has unique benefits compared to other hay fever medications.

• you take it just once a day
• works within 75 minutes
• relief lasts for 24 hours according to research Trusted source National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Government Source Biomedical Research and Literature Go to source
• is non-drowsy*

*It can still make you feel a bit drowsy but is generally minimal compared to older antihistamine treatments.

It also targets all allergy symptoms, so is ideal if you struggle with nasal and eye symptoms. It also treats symptoms on the skin such as hives, rash or itching.

Desloratadine is a type of medicine called an antihistamine. These medicines work by blocking the effects of a chemical called histamine.

Your body releases histamine when it detects an allergen, such as pollen, dust or pet dander. This is then what causes hay fever symptoms.

Desloratadine is a non-sedating antihistamine, which means it is non-drowsy. This is because this type of antihistamine does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier as much as other treatments.

Desloratadine is available in 5mg tablets. You take one tablet once daily as and when symptoms occur. If your symptoms occur more than 4 days per week for 4 weeks, your doctor may prescribe a specific treatment course.

Take tablets whole with water. You can take them with or without food.

If you take more tablets than you should, you are unlikely to experience any adverse effects. However, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you begin to feel unwell.

When to take Desloratadine

While you can take it any time of day, it is advisable to take it first thing in the morning for hay fever. Especially if you know the pollen count is high. This is so you can be protected from allergens throughout the day before you encounter them.

As well as taking treatment, several natural hay fever remedies can help with symptoms. These include:

• check the pollen count before you go out - you can check this online through the Met Office
• wearing wraparound sunglasses to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes
• showering and changing your clothes as soon as you come in from outdoors
• vacuuming or dusting regularly to remove any pollen from outside
• keeping windows and doors shut when indoors
• not letting pets into the house - pollen can stick to their fur and cause symptoms

Changes to your diet can also help prevent symptoms. Some foods contain naturally high levels of histamines, the chemical that causes allergy symptoms. A low histamine diet involves avoiding these foods such as certain vegetables, fermented foods or cured meats.

Like all prescription medicines, Desloratadine may cause side effects. The most common side effects are mild and will go away by themselves.

Some common side effects of Desloratadine include:

• lack of energy
• dry mouth
• headache

Desloratadine is a non-sedating antihistamine, which means you should not feel drowsy. However, some people may feel a little drowsy when taking it.

Rarely, you may experience an allergic reaction. In severe cases, this can cause swelling, difficulty breathing or a rash. If this happens, stop taking the medication and contact a healthcare professional.

If you experience any worrying or serious symptoms while using Desloratadine, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

For a full list of possible side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet.

Desloratadine is suitable for people with allergies. This can be seasonal allergies to pollen (hay fever).

It can also be used to treat people who have allergies to indoor elements, such as dust mites, pet dander or mould.

Desloratadine is generally safe for most people to take. However, you should always ask your doctor if you take any medicines or have a medical condition.

Who cannot take this medicine?

You should not take Desloratadine if you:

• are allergic to Desloratadine or Loratadine
• are pregnant
• are breastfeeding

You may also need to ask your doctor before using this medicine if you:

• have poor kidney function
• or a family member has ever had seizures

Always ask your doctor before using Desloratadine if you have any other health conditions.

Ask your doctor before using Desloratadine if you take any of the following:

• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MOAs)
• betahistine (for Ménière’s disease)

These medicines may interact with each other which can cause side effects or affect your treatment.

Contact your doctor before starting a new medication if you take any other medicines that are not listed above.

Desloratadine and other hay fever treatments

Do not take multiple hay fever treatments together unless your doctor or pharmacist has said it is safe for you to do so.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you use two different types of antihistamines. They may suggest you use a non-drowsy antihistamine during the day (like Desloratadine) and a drowsy one at night if your symptoms get worse.

You may be able to use Desloratadine with other types of hay fever treatments like steroid nasal sprays (e.g. Avamys) or eye drops (e.g. Optilast).

These two medications are commonly confused as they work in a similar way.

Below are the main differences between Desloratadine and Loratadine.

No, Desloratadine is only available with a valid doctor’s prescription. You can purchase a similar drug called Loratadine over the counter, but it is less potent than Desloratadine.

You can buy Desloratadine online from HealthExpress for hay fever treatment.

You will be required to complete an online consultation form. Our doctors will review your consultation to ensure the medicine is safe for you to take.

If approved for treatment, your medication will be dispensed and delivered to your chosen address.