Desloratadine (Aerius) is an antihistamine medication prescribed to relieve allergy symptoms. Be careful of its side effects, especially in children. Caution is required.
Seasonal allergies, runny nose, repeated sneezing… To relieve these symptoms, doctors can prescribe a treatment based on desloratadine. Available in syrup, particularly for children, but also in tablets for adults, this medication is marketed in France under the name Aerius® or in a generic version. It is widely used to calm allergic reactions. Indications, effectiveness, precautions for use: what you need to know before using it.
Definition: what is desloratadine?
Desloratadine is a medication prescribed for allergies. “It is an antiallergic, a second generation antihistamine which, unlike older antihistamines, has, in the majority of cases, no or little sedative effect.“, specifies Dr Brigitte Milpied, dermatologist at the Saint-André University Hospital in Bordeaux. Clearly, it will make you sleep less than another allergy treatment. The mode of action of desloratadine is simple: it is an antidote to histamine, the famous inflammatory substance released in the event of an allergic reaction which causes unpleasant symptoms. “Histamine can cause hives on the skin, rhinitis in the ENT area, conjunctivitis in the eyes or, more rarely, anaphylaxis, shock, hypotension” continues the doctor.
In which medications?
Desloratadine is marketed under the name Aerius®. It is also found in generic form.
What are the indications for desloratadine?
Desloratadine is indicated to relieve symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis.
Is desloratadine indicated in cough syrup?
Cough is not an indication for taking desloratadine, unless you have an allergic cough. You should seek advice from a doctor in this case.
Is desloratadine indicated for hand-foot-mouth disease?
Desloratadine is not indicated in cases of hand-foot-mouth disease. “Hand, foot and mouth is a viral infection“, reminds the dermatologist. “Antihistamine can’t do anything about it..” Only exception: “If you have foot, hand and mouth syndrome and you break out in hives like you can after a viral infection, then you have an indication to take an antihistamine to calm the hives. But an antihistamine is not an antiviral.”
What are the side effects of desloratadine?
French health authorities, like the ANSM, consider desloratadine generally well tolerated, but certain side effects should be known.
► The most common remain benign: fatigue, headache, dry mouth or drowsiness, although the latter is rarer than with older antihistamines. The medication may also stimulate the appetite. “I have patients who gain weight on antihistamines, especially if they take a high dose, but it is not automatic.“, indicates the dermatologist.
► In children, fever or digestive problems may also be observed. More rarely, neurological effects may occur, such as dizziness, agitation or difficulty sleeping. Cases of seizures have been reported, especially in patients with a history of seizures.
► Allergic reactions are also possible, with rash, swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, which requires rapid treatment. Finally, heart problems (palpitations, increased rhythm) and liver abnormalities have been exceptionally reported. In practice, most effects are moderate, but certain signs should alert and justify a consultation, particularly in children.
What precautions for children?
Desloratadine can be prescribed for children in the form of syrup. It is authorized from 1 year of age, with a dosage adapted to age and weight, and must always be used on medical prescription. Although it is generally well tolerated, its use requires particular vigilance, particularly in children with a history of convulsions because there is a risk of convulsions recognized by health authorities. As with any medication, compliance with doses and medical monitoring is essential.
Can you get desloratin without a prescription?
Desloratadine is generally available on prescription, particularly for children and in syrup form. However, certain tablet forms may be available without a prescription for adults.
What are the contraindications of desloratadine?
The main contraindication is hypersensitivity to the molecule, but caution is recommended in cases of kidney disease and in pregnant women.
Thanks to Dr Brigitte Milpied, dermatologist and venereologist at Bordeaux CHU Hôpital Saint-André, member of the French Society of Dermatology
