Desloratadine

Aperçu

What is desloratadine used for?

Desloratadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine used to relieve symptoms caused by allergies.

It is commonly used to treat hay fever (allergic rhinitis), which can cause sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy or watery eyes.

It is also used to treat hives (urticaria), helping to reduce itching and skin rashes.

How does desloratadine work?

Desloratadine works by blocking the effects of histamine that is released by the body after exposure to allergens such as pollen, animal fur or house dust mites.

Histamine is responsible for many allergy symptoms, including sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy or watery eyes.

By preventing histamine from binding to its receptors, desloratadine helps reduce these symptoms and provides relief from allergic conditions such as hay fever and hives.

Side effects of desloratadine

Common side effects of desloratadine are:

• Se sentir fatigué ou somnolent.

• Bouche sèche.

• Maux de tête.

Vous trouverez une liste complète dans la notice d'information du fabricant fournie avec votre médicament.

How to manage desloratadine side effects

Les effets indésirables s'améliorent souvent à mesure que votre corps s'adapte au nouveau médicament, mais parlez à votre médecin ou pharmacien si certains persistent ou deviennent gênants.

If you experience any other symptoms that you think may be due to the medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Who should not take desloratadine?

Desloratadine may not be suitable for everyone. It is important that your doctor knows:

• Si vous êtes enceinte, essayez d'avoir un bébé, ou allaitez.

• If you have problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have epilepsy or there is a family history of fits (seizures).

• Si vous prenez ou utilisez d'autres médicaments. Cela inclut tous les médicaments que vous prenez et qui sont disponibles à l'achat sans ordonnance, ainsi que les médicaments à base de plantes et complémentaires.

• Si vous avez déjà eu une réaction allergique à un autre antihistaminique ou à tout autre médicament.

How to take desloratadine

• Read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. It will give you more information about desloratadine and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Recommended doses of desloratadine are:

  • For adults and for children aged over 12 years: 5 mg taken once a day.

  • For children aged 6-12 years: 2.5 mg taken once a day. This is 5 ml of the liquid medicine.

  • For children aged 1-6 years: 1.25 mg taken once a day. This is 2.5 ml of the liquid medicine.

• If you are giving desloratadine liquid medicine to a child, make sure you follow the dosing instructions on the bottle carefully so that you measure out the correct dose.

• You can take desloratadine before or after meals. Some people find it helps to swallow the tablets with a drink of water.

• Si vous oubliez de prendre une dose, prenez-la dès que vous vous en souvenez. Si vous ne vous en souvenez que le lendemain, sautez la dose oubliée. Ne prenez pas deux doses ensemble pour compenser une dose oubliée.

Tirer le meilleur parti de votre traitement

• Most people only need to take an antihistamine for a short while when they have symptoms. You should stop taking desloratadine once your symptoms have eased.

• Although desloratadine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, it can still cause drowsiness in a few people. If this happens to you, do not drive and do not use tools or machines.

• If you drink alcohol while you are on desloratadine, be aware of its effects on you and do not drink more than moderate amounts. Alcohol can increase the risk of side-effects from antihistamines.

• Si vous subissez une opération, ou tout traitement ou test (en particulier s'il s'agit de tester une allergie), assurez-vous de dire que vous prenez un antihistaminique.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with an antihistamine. This is because a number of other medicines can increase the risk of side-effects.

How to store desloratadine

• Gardez tous les médicaments hors de la portée et de la vue des enfants.

• Conserver dans un endroit frais et sec, à l'abri de la chaleur et de la lumière directes.

Questions fréquemment posées

How long does desloratadine take to work?

Desloratadine usually starts to work within about 1 hour, with full relief from allergy symptoms often building over the first few hours after taking a dose.

How long does desloratadine last?

A single dose of desloratadine works for around 24 hours. This is why it is taken once a day to provide all-day relief from allergy symptoms.

Can I take desloratadine every day?

Yes, desloratadine can be taken daily during allergy season or while symptoms persist. For long-term or continuous symptoms, your doctor may advise ongoing use, but it should be reviewed if symptoms continue for a long time.

What should I do if desloratadine does not work?

If your symptoms do not improve after a few days, speak to a pharmacist or doctor. You may need a different antihistamine or additional treatment to better control your allergy symptoms.

Can I take desloratadine when pregnant?

It is generally considered safe to use desloratadine during pregnancy. However, always let your doctor know if you are pregnant before taking it.

Informations importantes sur tous les médicaments