A prescription-only medicine, Desloratadine is a generic version of the widely used NeoClarityn antihistamine hay fever treatment. Produced by Actavis, this medicine belongs to the category of pharmaceutical compounds called antihistamines, which gives us hints about its mechanism of action. Desloratadine works by inhibiting certain aspects of the immune response which tend to cause rhinitis and inflammation in majority of people affected. The usually prescribed dose is one tablet daily, with the duration of the treatment depending on the frequency and severity of your symptoms.

What’s on this page?

Desloratadine provides a quick relief from hay fever symptoms, remaining active for 24 hours after consumption. The success rate and efficiency of this medicine make it very popular among those affected. Within the United Kingdom alone, more than 10 million people are affected by hay fever each year. This allergic reaction occurs once a person is exposed to fine pollen particles. As such, it occurs during the period of year when certain plant species enter the reproductive phase of their annual cycle. Naturally, not everybody will react to pollen and those who do can be allergic to different plant species, meaning they will notice the symptoms at different times of the year.

The common symptoms of hay fever include:

  • Runny nose
  • Itching of the mouth and throat
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy, red and irritated eyes

Taken as a whole, the typical symptoms of hay fever are usually called rhinitis or allergic rhinitis.

What causes hay fever?

On a bio-chemical level, the symptoms of hay fever are brought on by the reaction of the immune system to the presence of allergens. Once body detects the presence of a substance that is perceived as an irritant, it tries to deal with it the same way as it would if it was a typical infection – releasing histamine and increasing the blood flow to the affected region of the body. This is what leads to typical signs of inflammation and swelling.

However, as of now, scientists have yet to explain why hay fever manifests in some individuals and not in other. As is often the case, there are strong indications that genetics play a prominent role. At the same time, other experts hypothesised that so-called early conditioning plays a part too – exposure to certain irritants, including second-hand tobacco smoke during early childhood may be at a much greater risk.

Hay fever treatment and prevention

For most people, spring is the time when the symptoms of hay fever peak, coinciding with the highest levels of pollen in the air. Preventive measures are often recommended in order to decrease the chances of experiencing the symptoms. These include:

  • Staying indoors during days when pollen concentration is especially high
  • Limiting prolonged exposure to pollen

However, it’s unlikely that you would be able to completely avoid presence of pollen in your environment no matter which precautions you take. And if your symptoms are persistent and are causing you considerable discomfort, then treatment might be the best option.

How does Desloratadine help with allergic rhinitis?

Desloratadine is a very effective antihistaminic medicine available in the tablet form. It works by preventing histamine produced and released by the immune system from acting on specialized receptors, thus preventing the onset of an allergic reaction and reducing the severity of symptoms. As mentioned, Desloratadine is a prescription-only hay fever medicine, but it can still be bought from an online clinic of your choice. In this way, your consultations with a medical professional will take place through digital medium, usually a specialized and customized questionnaire which you need to fill in. The doctor will use the information you provided in order to determine whether you are suitable for treatment.

How to use Desloratadine?

In order to ensure the optimal results of your treatment and minimize the risk of unwanted side effects, it is essential to precisely follow the instructions provided by the doctor or pharmacist. In addition, the official patient information leaflet that is issued with every pack of medicine can also provide you with some bonus information that might clarify some questions you still have regarding the use of Desloratadine. Just like branded NeoClarityn, this medicine will be prescribed by a certified medical professional who will surely provide you some of the most general guidelines. If there is any confusion remaining, be sure to call your doctor and clarify everything prior to the beginning of the treatment.

Some of the most general guidelines can be described as follows:

  • Always follow the prescriber’s instructions
  • The usual dose is one tablet daily
  • Duration of the treatment will be determined by your doctor or pharmacist
  • Desloratadine tablets should be taken whole, with water
  • Never exceed the prescribed dose
  • If you miss a dose, do not double up the next one – instead, take the missed dose when you do remember and then continue with your treatment as usual

Are there any Desloratadine side effects?

Almost all medicines available today come with an array of possible side effects, and Desloratadine is no different. As with other treatments, the most important adverse effect you need to be aware of is potential allergic reaction to medicine. Although this is very rare, allergic reactions to Desloratadine have been documented and they can be exceptionally harsh. The common symptoms include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Rash or hives
  • Palpitations
  • Compromised liver function
  • Seizures

If you notice any of these side effects, it’s essential to contact your doctor immediately.

Other documented side effects of this medicine include:

  • Tiredness
  • Dryness of the mouth
  • General malaise
  • Headache
  • Upset stomach
  • Diarrhoea
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Muscle pain
  • Dizziness and drowsiness

Desloratadine contraindications

As is often the case with prescription medication, there are some instances when the doctor might advise you against using given medicine. Desloratadine isn’t known to interact harshly with commonly used medicines, but you should still disclose the details about other potential treatments you might be using to your doctor.

On the other hand, there are some health conditions that might make Desloratadine treatment unsafe. This is especially true if you are affected by a condition that leads to impaired kidney function, so be sure to mention your medical history during the consultations.

This medicine is also not recommended to pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding. On the other hand as opposed to some other similar medicines, Desloratadine won’t affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery.

Finally, this medicine contains lactose, so it isn’t suitable for people who are lactose-intolerant. At the same time, mixing Desloratadine with alcohol can be very dangerous and it is best avoided.