Desloratadine is a drug used to treat allergies. It is sold under brandnames such as Clarinex and Aerius. It is an active metabolite of loratadine,which is also on the market.
Available forms
Desloratadine is available as tablets and oral suspension.
Mechanism of action
Desloratadine is a tricyclic antihistamine, which has a selective and peripheral H1-antagonist action. It has a long-lasting effect and does not cause drowsiness because it does not readily enter the central nervous system. It is 10-20 times more potent as an antihistamine than loratadine.
Pharmacokinetics
Desloratadine is rapidly absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract. Desloratadine is moderately bound to plasma proteins (85%). The half-life of desloratadine is on average 28 hours. About 40% is excreted as conjugated metabolites into the urine and similar amount into the feces. Traces of unmetabolised desloratadine can be found in the urine.
Side effects
Most common side-effects are fatigue, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, and gastrointestinal disturbances.