Desloratadine
Introduction To Desloratadine
Desloratadine is usually given to children to treat a wide range of symptoms associated with allergic conditions such as hay fever, urticaria (hives), conjunctivitis (red, itchy eye), and common cold. These symptoms may include watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and itching.
Desloratadine may also be given to treat medicine-induced allergies. Give the medicine to your child by mouth with or without food in the dose and way prescribed by your child's doctor. It is usually given once a day. This is usually in the morning but may vary based on the timing of the symptoms. It starts to work immediately and your child's symptoms may begin to improve within 30 to 60 minutes of intake. However, if the medicine is used as a preventive measure, you may not see much difference in your child.
If your child vomits within 30 minutes of taking Desloratadine, repeat the same dose once your child feels better. However, skip repeating this dose if it is already time for the next dose. Do not abruptly stop the medicine by yourself as sudden withdrawal of the medicine may result in recurrence of symptoms and worsen your child's condition. Therefore, it is advised to continue the treatment for the prescribed duration for maximum benefit.
Your child may experience minor and temporary side effects like nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, dizziness, sleepiness, and headache after the intake of this medicine. Usually, these symptoms subside once your child's body adapts to the medicine. However, in case of prolonged or bothersome events, it would be best to consult your child's doctor without any delay.
Inform your child's doctor if your child is on any medical regime or is allergic to any medicine, product, or food. Do share details with your child's doctor if your child has or had any heart, liver, or kidney problems. Any history regarding bowel obstruction, malnutrition, weight-related issues, and thyroid problems should also be well indicated to the doctor to avoid any complications in the treatment. Knowing the entire medical history will help your child's doctor make dose alterations and plan your child's overall treatment better.
Uses of Desloratadine
- Treatment of Allergic conditions
Benefits of Desloratadine
Treatment of Allergic conditions
Desloratadine provides relief from symptoms such as blocked or runny nose,
sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes. This will make it easier for you to go
about your daily activities. It can also give relief from allergic reactions
after insect bites and symptoms of hives and eczema such as rash, swelling,
itching, and irritation. This will improve the appearance of your skin and you
may find that your mood and self-confidence improve as well. It rarely has any
serious side effects and you may only need to take it on days you have
symptoms. Moreover, Desloratadine may make you feel less sleepy as compared to
other antihistamine medicines. If you are taking it to prevent getting
symptoms you should use it regularly to get the most benefit.
Side effects of Desloratadine
Desloratadine does not pose serious side effects and is well-tolerated by children. In case the side effects do occur, they’re likely to subside once the body adapts to the medicine. Consult your child’s doctor if these side effects persist or bother your child. The most common side effects include-
Common side effects of Loratus
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
How to use Desloratadine
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Desloratadine may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Desloratadine works
Desloratadine belongs to a class of medicines called antihistamines. It blocks the natural chemical substance (histamine) produced in the body during an allergic state and subsides (lowers) your child’s immune system’s response to these conditions.
Quick tips
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Try giving the medicines at the same time each day, to help you remember.
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Your child may feel sleepy or dizzy after each dose of Desloratadine. If this happens, make your child sit or lie down and ask them to be careful while performing tasks that require mental focus.
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Dry mouth can occur as a side effect of taking Desloratadine. Taking sips of water or eating citrus fruits may help.
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Desloratadine should be avoided in children who are less than 4 years of age as there is a risk of respiratory distress.
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Practice self-care tips:
- Protect your child from coming in contact with allergens.
- Maintain a neat and clean ambiance around your child.
- Encourage your child to wear a face mask and avoid dusty places.
Safety Advice
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Desloratadine if I have/had kidney diseases?
Desloratadine is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Desloratadine is recommended. However, dose adjustment may be required in severe kidney disease. It is advisable to consult your child’s doctor thoroughly before giving Desloratadine to your child in case of kidney-related problems.
LiverSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Desloratadine if I have/had liver diseases?
Desloratadine is safe to use in patients with liver disease. No dose adjustment of Desloratadine is recommended. However, dose adjustments might be required in severe liver disease. Consult your doctor before giving Desloratadine to your child in case of severe liver disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. My child is suffering from a neurological condition. Is Desloratadine safe to use?
Desloratadine may increase susceptibility to seizures in children, particularly in children with a history of seizure disorders.
Q. My child is restless and unable to sleep properly at night. Can I give Desloratadine?
No, although this medicine causes drowsiness as a side effect, it should not be given to induce sleep in children. Consult your doctor if you have any queries regarding the use of this medicine.
Q. How much Desloratadine should I give to my child?
You must always adhere to the dose prescribed by your child’s doctor because it is calculated according to your child’s body weight and age. Do not increase or decrease the dose on your own as it may cause unwanted effects and can worsen your child’s condition.
Q. Can other medicines be given at the same time as Desloratadine?
Desloratadine can sometimes interact with other medicines or substances. Tell your doctor about any other medicines your child is taking before starting Desloratadine. Also, check with your child’s doctor before giving any medicine to your child.
Q. What if I give too much of Desloratadine by mistake?
Although Desloratadine is relatively safe to use in children yet an excessive amount may cause some serious side effects such as seizures, rapid heart rate, irritability, slow breathing, and even coma. Talk to your doctor if you think your child has taken an excessive amount of Desloratadine.
Q. How should Desloratadine be stored?
Desloratadine should be stored at room temperature, in a dry place, away from direct heat and light. Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children to avoid any accidental intake.
Q. When do I need to call my child’s doctor right away?
Always consult your child’s doctor at every step in case of any confusion. Contact your child’s doctor immediately if your child develops serious side effects. These may include allergic reactions (such as facial swelling, trouble breathing), signs of liver problem (such as dark-colored urine, yellow eyes or skin), excessive sleepiness, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, feeling confused or hyperactive, trouble passing urine, irritability, and vision changes.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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