Brand Name
Aerius
Common Name
desloratadine
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02243919 | AERIUS 5MG TABLET |
| 02247193 | AERIUS KIDS 0.5MG / ML SYRUP |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Desloratadine belongs to a group of medications known as antihistamines, specifically the class known as histamine receptor antagonists. During an allergic reaction, the body produces a chemical called histamine, which causes allergy symptoms such as hives, runny nose, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes. Desloratadine works by blocking the action of histamine in the body.
This medication is used to relieve the symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergies including nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, itchy palate, coughing, and itchy watery red eyes. It is also use to relieve the symptoms of allergic skin conditions (e.g., chronic idiopathic urticaria) such as skin itch and hives. Desloratadine usually starts to work within 75 minutes and lasts for 24 hours.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor or pharmacist has not suggested it.
How should I use this medication?
Tablets: The usual recommended dose of desloratadine tablets for adults and children 12 years of age and over is 5 mg once daily. It may be taken with or without food.
Syrup: The usual recommended dose of desloratadine syrup for adults and children 12 years of age and over is 10 mL (5 mg) once daily. For children 6 to 11 years of age, the usual recommended dose is 5 mL (2.5 mg) once daily. For children 2 to 5 years of age, the usual recommended dose is 2.5 mL (1.25 mg) once daily. It may be taken with or without food. Children between 2 to 12 years of age should not take this medication for longer than 14 days unless recommended by a doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication exactly as suggested by your doctor or pharmacist. If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Tablet
Each blue, round, film-coated tablet for immediate release contains desloratadine 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, cornstarch, dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, FD&C Blue No. 2 lake, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide, and white beeswax.
Syrup
Each mL of clear, orange colored liquid with bubblegum flavouring, contains desloratadine 0.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: bubblegum flavor, citric acid anhydrous, disodium edetate, FD&C yellow No. 6, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate dihydrate, sorbitol solution, and sucrose.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Desloratadine should not be taken used by anyone who is allergic to desloratadine or to any of the ingredients of the medication.
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