Desloratadine is a common prescription medication used to treat seasonal and indoor allergy symptoms. As this eMedTV page explains, it can also be used for chronic hives and itching. This page explains how the drug works, dosing information, and more.
What is desloratadine used for? This eMedTV page describes how the drug is used to treat symptoms of hay fever -- like sneezing; runny nose; and itchy, watery eyes -- as well as symptoms caused by indoor allergens, like pets, fungi, and molds.
Common desloratadine side effects can include dry mouth, excessive tiredness, and nausea. This page on the eMedTV Web site lists common and rare side effects of desloratadine, along with statistics on how often they occurred in previous research studies.
For adults and children 12 years and over, the recommended desloratadine dosage is 5 mg once daily. As this eMedTV page explains, dosing with desloratadine depends on your age, the condition being treated, and any other drugs you're currently taking.
Desloratadine can interact with drugs like erythromycin and ketoconazole to raise the amount in your body. This eMedTV resource stresses the need to talk with your doctor about drug interactions with desloratadine that may apply to you.
As this eMedTV page explains, things to tell your doctor before taking desloratadine include whether you're nursing or have kidney or liver disease. Other precautions and warnings with desloratadine include side effects and potential risk to a fetus.
July 2012 is the earliest date that a generic desloratadine could become available. This eMedTV resource cautions against using any drug advertised as a generic form of this medication. These phony drugs are substandard and potentially dangerous.
