BRAND NAME: Clarinex

DRUG AND MECHANISM OF CLASS: Desloratadine is an oral, long-acting antihistamine, which is chemically similar to loratadine (Claritin). It is used to treat symptoms caused by histamine. Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for many of the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, such as swelling of the lining of the nose, sneezing and itchy eyes. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells (mast), and then attached to other cells that have histamine receptors. The attachment of histamine receptors to the cause of the cell to be "active", the release of other chemicals that produce the effects that we associate with allergies. Desloratadine blocks a type of receptor of histamine (H1 receptor) and thus prevents the activation of H1 receptor containing histamine by cells. Desloratadine does not readily enter the brain of blood, and therefore causes less drowsiness (sedation). He is a member of a small family of non-sedating antihistamine loratadine which includes (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and azelastine (Astelin). Desloratadine were approved by the FDA in December 2001. PRESCRIPTION: Yes Generic available: Not PREPARATION: tablets, 5 mg and syrup, 0.5mg/1mL STORAGE: Store tablets and syrup at 25 ° C (77 ° F). FOR: Desloratadine is used for the treatment of allergies and chronic urticaria (hives), in adults and children 12 years of age or older. DOSING: The recommended dosage for adults and children 12 years of age or older is 5 mg per day. Syrup can be used for children aged two years and with the dose depending on the age of the child. Desloratadine can be taken with or without food. Drug Interactions: In controlled clinical studies there were no interactions with other drugs that affect the safety or efficacy of desloratadine. PREGNANCY: Desloratadine has not been studied in pregnant women. NURSING MOTHERS: Desloratadine is excreted in human milk, and should be used with caution in nursing mothers. SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of desloratadine are weak, sore throat, dry mouth and drowsiness.