How desloratadine works
Desloratadine suppresses the effect of histamine (i.e. it is an antihistamine). It belongs to the group of so-called second-generation antihistamines.
Histamine is a tissue hormone that not only mediates many physiological processes in the body, but also allergic reactions. The effects triggered by the hormone depend on which of its four binding sites (receptor types H1 to H4) on the surface of cells it binds to.
Allergic reactions of the skin and airways (such as constriction of the airways and itching) are mediated by the binding of histamine to the H1 receptors. These are therefore the target of desloratadine: as a so-called H1 receptor antagonist, the active ingredient blocks the H1 receptors and thus prevents the allergic reactions triggered by histamine.
In contrast to first-generation antihistamines, second-generation antihistamines do not or hardly reach the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). They therefore have little sedative effect (dampening, drowsiness-inducing).
Another 2nd generation antihistamine is loratadine. When it is metabolized in the body, desloratadine is also produced.
Absorption, breakdown and excretion
The active substance is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine. This elimination takes place quite slowly. It takes around 27 hours for half of the active substance to leave the body (half-life).
When is desloratadine used?
Desloratadine is used for
- allergic rhinitis (allergic rhinitis, e.g. hay fever)
- hives (urticaria)
How desloratadine is used
The antihistamine is usually prescribed as a tablet. A solution is also available for children.
Adults and children from the age of twelve usually take five milligrams of desloratadine per day. Children between the ages of one and five are given 1.25 milligrams or 2.5 milliliters per day. For children between the ages of six and eleven, a dose of 2.5 milligrams or five milliliters is recommended.
What are the side effects of desloratadine?
Desloratadine is normally very well tolerated. The antihistamine rarely causes tiredness, dry mouth or headaches.
Infants between the ages of six and 23 months develop diarrhea, fever and insomnia in rare cases.
What should be considered when using desloratadine?
Contraindications
Patients who are allergic to the active substance or the related loratadine must not take desloratadine.
Interactions
No interactions with other medicinal products are known to date.
Age restriction
Desloratadine is approved as an oral solution from the age of one year.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Experience with use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is almost exclusively limited to loratadine. As desloratadine is the active substance of loratadine, it can be evaluated similarly. Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is therefore possible.
How to obtain medication with desloratadine
Desloratadine is available over-the-counter in pharmacies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
