Important Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.
Delarex (Desloratadine): A Comprehensive Guide to the Non-Drowsy Antihistamine
Manufacturer: Global Napi Pharmaceuticals (GNP)
Category: Antihistamine (Second Generation)
Active Ingredient: Desloratadine
Available Forms:
- Tablets: 5 mg Desloratadine per film-coated tablet.
- Syrup: 2.5 mg Desloratadine per 5 ml of syrup.
Summary
Delarex contains Desloratadine, a long-acting, non-sedating antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergies. As a second-generation antihistamine, it is designed to block the effects of histamine—a substance released by the body during an allergic reaction—without causing the significant drowsiness associated with older allergy medications. It is effective for treating both nasal and non-nasal allergy symptoms.
Mechanism of Action: How Does Delarex Work?
When you are exposed to an allergen (like pollen, dust, or pet dander), your body's mast cells release histamine. Histamine then binds to H1-receptors, causing the classic allergy symptoms: sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. Desloratadine works by selectively blocking these H1-receptors, preventing histamine from binding and thus stopping the allergic symptoms before they start. Because it does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier, it has a very low potential to cause drowsiness.
Indications
Delarex is used to relieve symptoms associated with:
- Allergic Rhinitis: Both seasonal (hay fever) and perennial (year-round) allergies, including sneezing, runny or itchy nose, and itchy, watery, or red eyes.
- Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: To relieve itching and reduce the number and size of hives (welts) on the skin.
Dosage and Administration
Important: Always follow the dosage instructions prescribed by your doctor.
- Adults and Children (12 years and older): One 5 mg tablet once daily, OR 10 ml (two teaspoonfuls) of syrup once daily.
- Children (6 to 11 years): 5 ml (one teaspoonful) of syrup once daily.
- Children (12 months to 5 years): 2.5 ml (half a teaspoonful) of syrup once daily.
- Children (6 to 11 months): 2 ml of syrup once daily (use a special measuring device for accuracy).
- Patients with Kidney or Liver Impairment: The starting dose is typically reduced to one 5 mg tablet every other day.
Contraindications
Do not use Delarex if you have a known hypersensitivity (allergy) to Desloratadine, Loratadine, or any other component of the product.
Warnings and Precautions
- Pregnancy and Lactation: Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Desloratadine passes into breast milk, so a decision should be made with your doctor to either discontinue nursing or the drug.
- Kidney or Liver Disease: Dose adjustment is necessary for patients with impaired kidney or liver function.
Possible Side Effects
While Delarex is generally well-tolerated, some side effects may occur:
- Common: Dry mouth, fatigue, headache, and sore throat (pharyngitis).
- Less Common: Dizziness, muscle pain (myalgia), or indigestion.
- Rare but Serious: Rapid heart rate (tachycardia), palpitations, or severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), including rash, swelling, and difficulty breathing. If these occur, seek immediate medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the difference between Delarex (Desloratadine) and older antihistamines like Chlorpheniramine?
- The main difference is the side effect profile. Desloratadine is a "second-generation" antihistamine, meaning it is specifically designed to not cross the blood-brain barrier easily. This results in significantly less drowsiness and sedation compared to older, "first-generation" antihistamines.
- Is Delarex the same as Loratadine (e.g., Claritin)?
- Desloratadine is the active metabolite of Loratadine. This means that when you take Loratadine, your body converts it into Desloratadine to produce its effect. Taking Desloratadine directly is like taking the already-activated form of the drug.
- Can I drive after taking Delarex?
- While Delarex is considered non-drowsy for most people, individual reactions can vary. It's best to see how the medication affects you before driving or operating heavy machinery.
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