Desloratadine (desloratadine)
Antihistamines Oral Tablet,Disintegrating
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Desloratadine, the active descarboethoxy metabolite of loratadine, is a second generation antihistamine.
Desloratadine, the active descarboethoxy metabolite of loratadine, is a long-acting tricyclic antihistamine. The drug has been characterized as a specific, selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonist. Experimental evidence indicates that desloratadine also suppresses the release of histamine from human mast cells.
Because desloratadine does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier, the drug has been referred to as a relatively ''nonsedating'' or second generation antihistamine.
Desloratadine is commercially available for oral administration as conventional tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, oral solution, and as an extended-release tablet containing desloratadine in fixed combination with pseudoephedrine sulfate. Desloratadine orally disintegrating tablets recently have been reformulated to improve palatability.
Following oral administration of desloratadine 5 mg once daily for 10 days as conventional tablets, peak plasma concentrations of the drug were achieved in approximately 3 hours. Following oral administration of a single 5-mg dose of desloratadine as a fixed-combination, extended-release tablet also containing pseudoephedrine sulfate, peak plasma concentrations of desloratadine were achieved in approximately 6-7 hours. Food or grapefruit juice does not appear to affect bioavailability of desloratadine following administration as conventional tablets, oral solution, or extended-release fixed-combination tablets; water does not appear to affect bioavailability of desloratadine following administration as orally disintegrating tablets.
The manufacturer states that desloratadine conventional tablets and oral solution are bioequivalent. The currently available reformulated orally disintegrating tablets containing 5 mg of desloratadine are bioequivalent to the original orally disintegrating formulation (no longer commercially available), which previously was shown to be bioequivalent to desloratadine conventional tablets and oral solution. The extended-release fixed-combination tablets are not bioequivalent with desloratadine conventional tablets.
Following oral administration of the fixed-combination preparation containing 5 mg of desloratadine and 240 mg of pseudoephedrine sulfate, plasma concentrations of desloratadine and 3-hydroxydesloratadine were 15-20% lower than those achieved with the 5-mg conventional tablets.
Following single- and multiple-dose administration, antihistaminic effects of desloratadine occur within 1 hour and persist for up to 24 hours. There is no evidence of histamine-induced skin wheal tachyphylaxis following 28 days of treatment with desloratadine 5 mg daily; the clinical relevance of histamine wheal skin testing has not been established.
Desloratadine is extensively metabolized to 3-hydroxydesloratadine, an active metabolite that subsequently undergoes glucuronidation; the enzyme(s) responsible for metabolism of desloratadine has not been identified. Data from clinical trials and pharmacokinetic studies indicate that approximately 6% of patients receiving desloratadine exhibit a decreased ability to form 3-hydroxydesloratadine and, therefore, are classified as poor metabolizers of the drug; the frequency of poor metabolizers appears to be higher in blacks (17%) than in Caucasians (2%) or Hispanics (2%). Poor metabolizers experience a substantially (approximately sixfold) greater exposure to desloratadine than normal metabolizers; however, no overall differences in safety were observed between these groups.
Nevertheless, the manufacturer states that an increased risk of adverse effects in poor metabolizers cannot be ruled out.
Approximately 87% of a radiolabeled oral dose of desloratadine is excreted as metabolic products in urine and feces in equal proportions.
Desloratadine, an active metabolite of loratadine, is used for the management of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. The drug also has been used in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis who have concomitant mild to moderate asthma. For additional information on these and other uses of antihistamines, see Uses in the Antihistamines General Statement 4:00.
Generic name: desloratadine
Pronunciation: (des-lor-AT-uh-deen)
Drug class: Antihistamines
Therapeutic class: Respiratory Therapy Agents
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Desloratadine
Indications
The following indications are listed for Desloratadine:
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
- Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Also known as: Intermittent Allergic Rhinitis, Periodic Runny Nose, Seasonal Allergy.
Dosing
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Desloratadine is administered orally once daily without regard to meals.
Desloratadine orally disintegrating tablets are administered by placing a tablet on the tongue, allowing it to disintegrate, and then subsequently swallowing with or without water. Patients receiving desloratadine orally disintegrating tablets should be instructed not to remove a tablet from the blister until just prior to dosing. Desloratadine oral solution should be administered using a commercially available dropper or syringe that is calibrated to deliver 2 or 2.5 mL. Extended-release tablets containing desloratadine in fixed combination with pseudoephedrine sulfate should be swallowed intact and should not be chewed, broken, or crushed.
Commercially available desloratadine conventional tablets and oral solution are bioequivalent. The currently available reformulated orally disintegrating tablets containing 5 mg of desloratadine are bioequivalent to the original orally disintegrating formulation (no longer commercially available), which previously was shown to be bioequivalent to desloratadine conventional tablets and oral solution.
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Desloratadine 5 Mg Odt | Maintenance | Place 1 tablet (5 mg) on top of the tongue where it will dissolve, then swallow by translingual route once daily. |
| Desloratadine 2.5 Mg Odt | Maintenance | Place 2 tablets (5 mg) on top of the tongue where they will dissolve,then swallow by translingual route once daily. |
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Desloratadine 5 Mg Odt | Maintenance | Place 1 tablet (5 mg) on top of the tongue where it will dissolve, then swallow by translingual route once daily. |
| Desloratadine 2.5 Mg Odt | Maintenance | Place 2 tablets (5 mg) on top of the tongue where they will dissolve,then swallow by translingual route once daily. |
Drug interactions
No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with the fixed-combination preparation containing desloratadine and pseudoephedrine sulfate. When using this preparation, consider the drug interactions associated with pseudoephedrine (e.g., monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors).
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
Agents That Affect Iodide/Radioactive Iodide
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Many compounds can affect iodide protein binding and alter iodide pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Compounds that affect iodide pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics may impact the effectiveness of radioactive iodide.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Compounds that affect iodide pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are expected to have the most impact during therapy using radioactive iodide. Diagnostic procedures would be expected to be impacted less.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Discuss the use of agents that affect iodide pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics with the patient's oncologist.(1) Because indocyanine green contains sodium iodide, the iodine-binding capacity of thyroid tissue may be reduced for at least one week following administration. Do not perform radioactive iodine uptake studies for at least one week following administration of indocyanine green.(2) The manufacturer of iopamidol states administration may interfere with thyroid uptake of radioactive iodine and decrease therapeutic and diagnostic efficacy. Avoid thyroid therapy or testing for up to 6 weeks post administration of iopamidol.(3)
DISCUSSION: Many agents interact with radioactive iodine. The average duration of effect is: anticoagulants - 1 week antihistamines - 1 week anti-thyroid drugs, e.g: carbimazole, methimazole, propylthiouracil - 3-5 days corticosteroids - 1 week iodide-containing medications, e.g: amiodarone - 1-6 months expectorants - 2 weeks Lugol solution - 3 weeks saturated solution of potassium iodine - 3 weeks vitamins - 10-14 days iodide-containing X-ray contrast agents - up to 1 year lithium - 4 weeks phenylbutazone - 1-2 weeks sulfonamides - 1 week thyroid hormones (natural or synthetic), e.g.: thyroxine - 4 weeks tri-iodothyronine - 2 weeks tolbutamide - 1 week topical iodide - 1-9 months (1)
Agents That Affect Iodide/Sodium Iodide I 131
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Many compounds can affect iodide protein binding and alter iodide pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.(1,2)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Compounds that affect iodide pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics may impact the effectiveness of radioactive iodide.(1,2)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Compounds that affect iodide pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are expected to have the most impact during therapy using radioactive iodide. Diagnostic procedures would be expected to be impacted less.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Discuss the use of agents that affect iodide pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics with the patient's oncologist.(1,2) Because indocyanine green contains sodium iodide, the iodine-binding capacity of thyroid tissue may be reduced for at least one week following administration. Do not perform radioactive iodine uptake studies for at least one week following administration of indocyanine green.(3) The manufacturer of iopamidol states administration may interfere with thyroid uptake of radioactive iodine and decrease therapeutic and diagnostic efficacy. Avoid thyroid therapy or testing for up to 6 weeks post administration of iopamidol.(4)
DISCUSSION: Many agents interact with radioactive iodine. The average duration of effect is: anticoagulants - 1 week antihistamines - 1 week anti-thyroid drugs, e.g: carbimazole, methimazole, propylthiouracil - 3-5 days corticosteroids - 1 week iodide-containing medications, e.g: amiodarone - 1-6 months expectorants - 2 weeks Lugol solution - 3 weeks saturated solution of potassium iodine - 3 weeks vitamins - 10-14 days iodide-containing X-ray contrast agents - up to 1 year lithium - 4 weeks phenylbutazone - 1-2 weeks sulfonamides - 1 week thyroid hormones (natural or synthetic), e.g.: thyroxine - 4 weeks tri-iodothyronine - 2 weeks tolbutamide - 1 week topical iodide - 1-9 months (1,2)
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to desloratadine, loratadine, or any ingredient in the formulation.
There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
- Child-pugh class A hepatic impairment
- Child-pugh class B hepatic impairment
- Child-pugh class C hepatic impairment
- Chronic kidney disease stage 2 (mild) GFR 60-89 ml/min
- Chronic kidney disease stage 3A (moderate) GFR 45-59 ml/min
- Chronic kidney disease stage 3B (moderate) GFR 30-44 ml/min
- Chronic kidney disease stage 4 (severe) GFR 15-29 ml/min
- Chronic kidney disease stage 5 (failure) GFr<15 ml/min
- Disease of liver
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
Adverse effects reported in 2% or more of patients 12 years of age and older receiving desloratadine for management of allergic rhinitis and occurring more frequently than placebo include pharyngitis, dry mouth, myalgia, fatigue, somnolence, and dysmenorrhea. Adverse effects reported in at least 2% of patients 12 years of age and older receiving desloratadine for management of chronic idiopathic urticaria and more frequently than placebo include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, pharyngitis, dyspepsia, and myalgia.
Adverse effects reported in 2% or more of pediatric patients (2-5 years of age) receiving desloratadine and occurring more frequently than placebo include fever, urinary tract infection, and varicella (chicken pox). Adverse effects reported in 2% or more of patients 12-23 months of age and occurring more frequently than placebo include fever, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, coughing, increased appetite, emotional lability, epistaxis, parasitic infection, pharyngitis, and maculopapular rash. Adverse effects reported in 2% or more of patients 6-11 months of age and occurring more frequently than placebo include upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, fever, irritability, coughing, somnolence, bronchitis, otitis media, vomiting, anorexia, pharyngitis, insomnia, rhinorrhea, erythema, and nausea.
Adverse effects reported in 2% or more of patients 12 years of age and older receiving the fixed combination of desloratadine and pseudoephedrine sulfate include dry mouth, headache, insomnia, fatigue, pharyngitis, somnolence, nausea, dizziness, nervousness, hyperactivity, and anorexia.
Rare or Very Rare
- Abnormal hepatic function tests
- Acquired dystonia
- Anaphylaxis
- Dyspnea
- Extrapyramidal disease
- Hepatitis
- Hyperbilirubinemia
- Hypersensitivity drug reaction
- Increased appetite
- Motor tic disorder
- Seizure disorder
- Tachycardia
- Urticaria
More Frequent
- Drowsy
- Dysmenorrhea
- Fatigue
- Headache disorder
- Myalgia
- Pharyngitis
- Pruritus of skin
- Skin rash
- Xerostomia
Less Frequent
- Dizziness
- Dyspepsia
- Nausea
Rare or Very Rare
- Edema
- Nervousness
- Palpitations
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
Safety and efficacy have not been established for symptomatic management of seasonal allergic rhinitis in children younger than 2 years of age.
Safety and efficacy have not been established for symptomatic management of perennial allergic rhinitis or chronic idiopathic urticaria in children younger than 6 months of age.
Safety and efficacy of the fixed-combination preparation containing desloratadine and pseudoephedrine sulfate for symptomatic management of seasonal allergic rhinitis have not been established in children younger than 12 years of age.
Overdosage and toxicity (including death) have been reported in children younger than 2 years of age receiving nonprescription (over-the-counter, OTC) preparations containing antihistamines, cough suppressants, expectorants, and nasal decongestants alone or in combination for relief of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. Clinicians should ask caregivers about use of nonprescription cough and cold preparations to avoid overdosage. For additional information on precautions associated with the use of cough and cold preparations in pediatric patients, see Cautions: Pediatric Precautions in the Antihistamines General Statement 4:00.
Category C. (See Users Guide.)
Desloratadine is distributed into milk. Discontinue nursing or the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the woman. Exercise caution if the fixed-combination preparation containing desloratadine and pseudoephedrine sulfate is used in nursing women.
Experience with desloratadine in those 65 years of age and older is insufficient to determine whether they respond differently from younger adults. In one study, peak plasma concentrations and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of desloratadine were increased (by 20%) and plasma elimination half-life was prolonged in geriatric patients compared with younger adults; however, these age-related differences do not appear to be clinically important. Nevertheless, dosage should be selected with caution because of the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, and/or cardiac function and of concomitant disease and drug therapy observed in geriatric patients.
ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic rhinitis | ||
| J30.1 | ICD10CM | Allergic rhinitis due to pollen |
| J30.2 | ICD10CM | Other seasonal allergic rhinitis |
| J30.5 | ICD10CM | Allergic rhinitis due to food |
| J30.8 | ICD10CM | Other allergic rhinitis |
| J30.81 | ICD10CM | Allergic rhinitis due to animal (cat) (dog) hair and dander |
| J30.89 | ICD10CM | Other allergic rhinitis |
| J30.9 | ICD10CM | Allergic rhinitis, unspecified |
| Chronic idiopathic urticaria | ||
| L50.1 | ICD10CM | Idiopathic urticaria |
| Seasonal allergic rhinitis | ||
| J30.1 | ICD10CM | Allergic rhinitis due to pollen |
| J30.2 | ICD10CM | Other seasonal allergic rhinitis |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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