Desloratadine (Desloratadine)
Also sold as: Deslorat, Aerius, Deslor, Desorat, Azomyr
Pregnancy
Cat C
Lactation
Caution
Schedule
OTC
Forms
Tablet 5mg +3
Indications
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Perennial allergic rhinitis
- Chronic idiopathic urticaria
- Allergic skin conditions
Adult Dosing
Allergic rhinitis / Chronic urticaria
5mg once daily
Once daily; can be taken with or without food at any time
Non-sedating; potent H1 blockade superior to loratadine in some studies
Pediatric Dosing
Use syrup or ODT formulations for children. Approved from age 1 year (syrup).
Renal Dose Adjustment
| CrCl / eGFR | Dose Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Any degree of renal impairment | 5mg every other day — manufacturer recommendation |
| Hemodialysis | 5mg every other day; not removed by dialysis |
Hepatic Adjustment
Moderate to severe hepatic impairment: 5mg every other day.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Category C
Crosses the placenta in animal studies; no adequate human data. As active metabolite of loratadine (category B), relative risk is similar but category is C. Use only if clearly needed; loratadine preferred.
Lactation: Caution
Desloratadine is excreted in breast milk (detected at ~3% of maternal dose). Monitor infant for sedation. Loratadine preferred if antihistamine required during lactation.
Top Drug Interactions
| Interacting Drug | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Erythromycin | CYP3A4 inhibition increases desloratadine plasma levels by ~10–15%; no clinically significant adverse effects at standard doses | Minor |
| Ketoconazole | CYP3A4 inhibition increases desloratadine AUC by ~40%; monitor for adverse effects | Minor |
| Azithromycin | Modest increase in desloratadine exposure; no significant cardiac or CNS effects | Minor |
| CNS depressants | Minimal potentiation at standard doses; caution with alcohol in sensitive individuals | Minor |
| Cimetidine | Increases desloratadine AUC ~20%; clinically insignificant at normal doses | Minor |
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Side Effects
Common
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Somnolence (similar to placebo)
- Myalgia (rare)
- Pharyngitis
Serious / Discontinue If
- Hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis, angioedema) — rare
- Tachycardia (rare)
- Liver enzyme elevation (rare)
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to desloratadine or loratadine
- Children <1 year (syrup) or <6 years (tablet) — age-appropriate forms required
Available Indian Brands
| Brand | Manufacturer | Price (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Deslorat 5 | Sun Pharmaceutical | 10 tab ₹68 |
| Aerius | Organon India | 10 tab ₹85 |
| Deslor | Cipla Ltd | 10 tab ₹62 |
| Desorat | Lupin Ltd | 10 tab ₹58 |
| Neoclarityn | MSD (Merck) | 10 tab ₹90 |
Monitoring Required
- Symptom control at 2–4 weeks
- Renal and hepatic function if chronic use in impaired patients
Patient Counseling Points
- Desloratadine is non-sedating — take at any time of day, with or without food.
- If using orally disintegrating tablet, place on tongue and allow to dissolve; do not swallow whole with water.
- Avoid alcohol although sedation risk is very low.
- Safe for long-term use in chronic urticaria under medical supervision.
- Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
- Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems.
- Suitable for once-daily use, which improves adherence for chronic conditions.
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EasyClinic auto-flags Desloratadine interactions, renal cutoffs, and pregnancy warnings the moment you write the prescription. Built-in safety net for every Indian doctor.
Clinically reviewed by: Dr. Anita Menon, DNB (Allergy & Immunology), Apollo Hospitals Chennai
Last reviewed: 2026-03-15
References
- FDA Prescribing Information: Clarinex (desloratadine). Schering Corporation.
- Deruaz C et al. Desloratadine: a comprehensive review of a non-sedating H1-antihistamine. Clin Drug Investig. 2004;24(1):1–13.
- Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission. Desloratadine monograph. IP 2022.
- CIMS India Drug Database 2025 — Desloratadine
- Simons FER. Advances in H1-antihistamines. N Engl J Med. 2004;351(21):2203–2217.