Desloratadine ODT 2.5mg Tablets
It is used to ease allergy signs.It is used to treat hives.
Drug Class
Antihistamine
Pharmacologic Class
Selective Peripheral H1-receptor Antagonist
Pregnancy Category
C
FDA Approved
Jan 2001
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Desloratadine is an antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and hives. It works by blocking a natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. This specific tablet dissolves quickly on your tongue without water.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food. When you're ready to take a dose, remove it from the blister pack and take it immediately. Do not store the removed medication for later use.
To take the medication:
Use dry hands to remove the tablet from the foil packaging. Do not push the tablet through the foil.
Place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve. You don't need to drink water with it.
* Do not swallow the tablet whole, chew it, break it, or crush it.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Keep your medication at room temperature in a dry place, away from bathrooms and heat sources. Store all medications in a safe location, out of reach of children and pets. When you're finished with the medication or it expires, dispose of it properly. Do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist. Check with your pharmacist for guidance on disposing of medications, and consider participating in local drug take-back programs.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, do not take it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food. When you're ready to take a dose, remove it from the blister pack and take it immediately. Do not store the removed medication for later use.
To take the medication:
Use dry hands to remove the tablet from the foil packaging. Do not push the tablet through the foil.
Place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve. You don't need to drink water with it.
* Do not swallow the tablet whole, chew it, break it, or crush it.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Keep your medication at room temperature in a dry place, away from bathrooms and heat sources. Store all medications in a safe location, out of reach of children and pets. When you're finished with the medication or it expires, dispose of it properly. Do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist. Check with your pharmacist for guidance on disposing of medications, and consider participating in local drug take-back programs.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, do not take it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take once daily, with or without food.
- Do not chew or crush the tablet; allow it to dissolve completely on the tongue and then swallow.
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
- Avoid activities requiring mental alertness until you know how the medication affects you, although it is generally non-drowsy.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Not applicable for 2.5mg ODT (adult dose is typically 5mg daily)
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established
Infant:
Not established (oral solution 1.25mg for 6-11 months)
Child:
2.5 mg orally once daily for children 6 to 11 years of age
Adolescent:
Not applicable for 2.5mg ODT (adolescent dose is typically 5mg daily)
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
Consider 2.5 mg every other day
Severe:
Consider 2.5 mg every other day
Dialysis:
Consider 2.5 mg every other day (desloratadine is not removed by hemodialysis)
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
Consider 2.5 mg every other day
Severe:
Consider 2.5 mg every other day
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Desloratadine is a long-acting tricyclic antihistamine with selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonist activity. It inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells and basophils, and also inhibits the release of other inflammatory mediators from mast cells and basophils. It also demonstrates anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Not explicitly stated as a percentage, but well absorbed
Tmax:
Approximately 3 hours
FoodEffect:
No effect on absorption
Distribution:
Vd:
Approximately 49 L/kg
ProteinBinding:
Approximately 85% to 87%
CnssPenetration:
Limited
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Approximately 27 hours
Clearance:
Not available
ExcretionRoute:
Renal (40%) and fecal (40%)
Unchanged:
Less than 2% (renal), less than 7% (fecal)
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within 1 hour
PeakEffect:
Approximately 3 hours
DurationOfAction:
24 hours
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Serious Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling irritable
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice:
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Feeling tired or weak
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Muscle pain
- Feeling sleepy
- Period (menstrual) pain
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. For medical advice about side effects, you can also contact your doctor. Additionally, you can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling irritable
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice:
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Feeling tired or weak
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Muscle pain
- Feeling sleepy
- Period (menstrual) pain
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. For medical advice about side effects, you can also contact your doctor. Additionally, you can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe allergic reaction (rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing) - seek immediate medical attention.
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about any allergies you have, including:
- An allergy to this medication or any of its components
- An allergy to other medications, foods, or substances
Please describe the allergy and the symptoms you experienced.
This medication may interact with other medications or health conditions. To ensure safe use, it is crucial to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins
- Share information about any health problems you have
You must verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about any allergies you have, including:
- An allergy to this medication or any of its components
- An allergy to other medications, foods, or substances
Please describe the allergy and the symptoms you experienced.
This medication may interact with other medications or health conditions. To ensure safe use, it is crucial to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins
- Share information about any health problems you have
You must verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Adhere strictly to the dosage instructions provided by your doctor, as taking more than prescribed may increase your risk of experiencing severe side effects. Do not exceed the recommended treatment duration, and only take this medication for the length of time specified by your doctor.
Until you are familiar with how this medication affects you, exercise caution when engaging in activities that require alertness, such as driving. Additionally, avoid consuming alcohol while taking this drug, as it may interact with the medication.
Before using marijuana, other forms of cannabis, or any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that may cause drowsiness or impair your reactions, consult with your doctor. It is also important to note that this medication may interfere with the accuracy of allergy skin tests, so be sure to inform your doctor and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug.
If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), a condition where your body cannot break down the amino acid phenylalanine, discuss this with your doctor, as some formulations of this medication may contain phenylalanine.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, it is crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor, as this will help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
Until you are familiar with how this medication affects you, exercise caution when engaging in activities that require alertness, such as driving. Additionally, avoid consuming alcohol while taking this drug, as it may interact with the medication.
Before using marijuana, other forms of cannabis, or any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that may cause drowsiness or impair your reactions, consult with your doctor. It is also important to note that this medication may interfere with the accuracy of allergy skin tests, so be sure to inform your doctor and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug.
If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), a condition where your body cannot break down the amino acid phenylalanine, discuss this with your doctor, as some formulations of this medication may contain phenylalanine.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, it is crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor, as this will help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Somnolence
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Tachycardia
- Extrapyramidal symptoms (rare)
What to Do:
In the event of overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment is recommended. Desloratadine is not eliminated by hemodialysis. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control).
Drug Interactions
Moderate Interactions
- Ketoconazole
- Erythromycin
- Azithromycin
- Fluoxetine
- Cimetidine
Minor Interactions
- Alcohol (no potentiation of alcohol-induced impairment)
Monitoring
Routine Monitoring
Symptom relief (e.g., reduction in sneezing, runny nose, itching, hives)
Frequency: Daily
Target: Optimal symptom control
Action Threshold: Lack of efficacy or worsening symptoms
Adverse effects (e.g., headache, dry mouth, fatigue)
Frequency: As needed, especially during initial therapy
Target: Absence or minimal tolerable side effects
Action Threshold: Persistent or bothersome side effects
Symptom Monitoring
- Allergic rhinitis symptoms (sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, tearing, redness of eyes, palatal pruritus, cough)
- Chronic idiopathic urticaria symptoms (number and size of hives, intensity of pruritus)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Limited human data suggest no increased risk of major birth defects.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Limited data, no clear evidence of increased risk.
Second Trimester:
Limited data, no clear evidence of increased risk.
Third Trimester:
Limited data, no clear evidence of increased risk.
Lactation
Desloratadine is excreted into breast milk. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Infant Risk:
L3 (Moderate risk) - Potential for infant drowsiness, irritability, or other adverse effects. Use with caution.
Pediatric Use
Desloratadine ODT 2.5mg is specifically indicated for children 6 to 11 years of age. Dosing for younger children (6-11 months and 1-5 years) is available in oral solution form. Safety and efficacy in children younger than 6 months have not been established.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly and younger patients. However, dose adjustment may be necessary for elderly patients with renal or hepatic impairment.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Desloratadine is the active metabolite of loratadine, offering similar efficacy with a potentially faster onset for some individuals.
- The ODT formulation is beneficial for pediatric patients or those with difficulty swallowing tablets.
- It is generally considered non-sedating, making it suitable for daytime use.
- Patients should be advised that while generally non-drowsy, individual responses can vary.
Alternative Therapies
- Loratadine
- Fexofenadine
- Cetirizine
- Levocetirizine
- Azelastine (nasal spray)
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays (e.g., fluticasone, mometasone)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
Varies, typically $10-$30 per 30 tablets
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 or 2 (Generic)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.