Desloratadine
Desloratadine is a long-acting, second-generation antihistamine that provides 24-hour relief from allergy symptoms by blocking histamine H1 receptors. It is commonly prescribed for seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, as well as chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives).
Desloratadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine used once daily to treat allergies and hives by blocking histamine receptors.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- R06AX27
- RxNorm
- 275635
- Generic
- Desloratadine
- Class
- atc-r06
- Brands
- Clarinex, Clarinex-D
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks, preferably avoid in first trimester
regular prenatal checkups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed for maternal health
routine prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, use lowest effective dose
monitor infant for excessive drowsiness or irritability
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 yearsno routine dose adjustment required
standard adult dosing appropriate, monitor for anticholinergic effects
routine geriatric assessment
pediatric_age
infants 6 months to 2 yearsweight-based dosing, 1mg once daily for children 6-11 months
approved for use in children 6 months and older
monitor for sedation and paradoxical excitement
pediatric_age
children 2 to 11 yearsstandard pediatric dose 2.5mg once daily for ages 2-11 years
approved for allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria in children
standard pediatric monitoring
renal_impairment
severe creatinine clearance below 30reduce dose to 5mg every 48 hours
use with caution in severe renal impairment, monitor renal function
monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentreduce dose to 5mg every 48 hours
use with caution in severe hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval date for Desloratadine
Drug class
ATC classification: R06AX13
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Half-life
Mean elimination half-life
Treats symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, itching of nose/throat) and chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives, itching).
Desloratadine is a selective H1-receptor histamine antagonist. It binds to H1 receptors, preventing histamine from triggering allergic responses such as inflammation, itching, and mucus production.
Generally well-tolerated with minimal drowsiness compared to first-generation antihistamines. Usually taken once daily with or without food. May interact with certain medications; consult a healthcare provider before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or having kidney/liver problems.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy