Desloratadine is used to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms, including sneezing; runny nose; and red, itchy, tearing eyes. It is also used to treat hives. Desloratadine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Desloratadine may cause less drowsiness than other antihistamines.

Desloratadine comes as a tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take desloratadine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To take the orally disintegrating tablet, use dry hands to peel back the foil packaging. Immediately take out the tablet and place it on your tongue. The tablet will quickly dissolve and can be swallowed with saliva. Orally disintegrating tablets may be taken with or without water

Desloratadine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

headache
upset stomach
dizziness
sore throat
dry mouth
muscle pain
extreme tiredness
painful menstruation
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptom is uncommon, but if you experience it, call your doctor immediately:

difficulty breathing
Desloratadine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness and fast heartbeat.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, contact your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

This medicine is an antihistamine used to treat the symptoms of hay fever and other allergic conditions such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes, and sneezing. It may also be used to treat hives. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Before taking desloratadine,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to desloratadine, loratadine (Claritin), or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease or phenylketonuria (for orally disintegrating tablets).
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking desloratadine, call your doctor