Desloratadine
CLARINEX
Pronunciation: des-lor-AT-a-deen
What it isSecond-generation H1 antihistamine, the active metabolite of loratadine; allergic rhinitis and urticaria.
Why this oneNeeds no hepatic activation, so exposure is predictable.
What limits itMinimal sedation. Little advantage over generic loratadine at higher cost.
Desloratadine prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, H1 antihistamines (1944–2026). Desloratadine enters in 2002 (estimated).
FDA-approved for
- allergy (2001)
Principal riskLittle; minimal advantage over generic loratadine
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryB
Defining liabilityGenerally tolerated at therapeutic doses; clinically important risks are agent-specific and increase with interactions or organ impairment.
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
NO BOXED WARNINGS
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic rhinitis / chronic urticaria | >=12 yr | 5 mg QD | 5 mg QD | 5 mg QD |
Renal Renal impairment (adults): 5 mg every other day
Hepatic Hepatic impairment (adults): 5 mg every other day
Instructions
- May be taken with or without meals
Available strengths
- tab 5 mg
- ODT 2.5, 5 mg
- sol 0.5 mg/mL
Cautions
- Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, pruritus, urticaria, edema, dyspnea, anaphylaxis - discontinue if they occur
Adverse reactions
- Pharyngitis, dry mouth, myalgia, fatigue, somnolence, dysmenorrhea
Pregnancy Limited human data; not teratogenic in animals
Lactation Undefined
Cost
Generic entry2010
Open Desloratadine in the interactive console ↗
Self-check
- Does desloratadine need hepatic activation?
No. - Of which antihistamine is it the active metabolite?
Loratadine.