ACTIVE INGREDIENT is Desloratadine
Modified from another medicine ( loratadine)
It is anti allergic anti histamine
Deslotaradine
Why is it important for my child to take this medicine?
Desloratadine is a medicine known as an antihistamine. When the body comes into contact with something it is allergic to, such as pollen, animal hair or fur, house dust or insect bites,
it produces a chemical called histamine. This causes itchy, watery eyes, running or blocked nose, sneezing and rashes. it blocks the effects of histamine
and so reduces these symptoms.
Most children only need to take an antihistamine for a short while when they have symptoms of allergy.
What is Desloratadine available as?
- Tablets
- Liquid medicine
When should I give Desloratadine?
In some children, Desloratadine is used only when it is needed (e.g. when they are exposed to a trigger such as animal hair). In other children, it is used regularly (e.g. for hay fever during spring or summer). Desloratadine should be stopped once it is no longer needed.
- Desloratadine is usually given once each day. This is usually in the morning but can depend on the timing of the symptoms and whether the medication has any sedating effect on the individual.
- Your doctor may have told you to give Desloratadine when your child’s symptoms are usually worse e.g. give in the morning if symptoms are worse in the day or in the evening if symptoms are worse then. You should follow your doctor’s instructions on when to give Desloratadine.
Give the medicine at about the same time(s) each day so that this becomes part of your child’s daily routine, which will help you to remember.
How much should I give?
Your doctor will work out the amount of Desloratadine (the dose) that is right for your child. The dose will be shown on the medicine label if you have been given a prescription.
If you have bought your medicine over the counter, then please follow the instructions on the package carefully. If you are not sure how much to give, then contact your pharmacist or doctor.
How should I give it?
Tablets should be swallowed with a glass of water, milk or juice. Your child should not chew the tablet.
Liquid medicine: Measure out the right amount using a medicine spoon or oral syringe. You can get these from your pharmacist. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give the right amount.
When should the medicine start working?
Loratadine usually starts to work straight away. If your child has been in contact with something they are allergic to and has symptoms, the symptoms should go away within 30 to
60 minutes, but if the medicine is being used to prevent an allergic reaction you may not see much difference in your child.
What if my child is sick (vomits)?
- If your child is sick less than 30 minutes after having a dose of Desloratadine, give them the same dose again.
- If your child is sick more than 30 minutes after having a dose of Desloratadine, you do not need to give them another dose. Wait until the next normal dose.
If your child is sick again, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist or hospital. They will decide what to do based on your child’s condition and the specific medicine involved.
What if I forget to give it?
If you normally give it once a day in the morning
- Give the missed dose when you remember during the day, as long as this is at least 12 hours before the next dose is due.
What if I give too much?
You are unlikely to do harm if you give an extra dose of Desloratadine by mistake. If you are concerned that you may have given too much, contact your doctor or local services Have the medicine or packaging with you if you telephone for advice.
Are there any possible side-effects?
We use medicines to make our children better, but sometimes they have other effects that we don’t want (side-effects).
Side-effects you need to know about
Your child is unlikely to get side-effects with Desloratadine. If the following side-effects do occur, they are usually mild and wear off after a few days. If they are still a problem after a week, consult your doctor.
- Your child may be drowsy (feel sleepy) for a few hours after each dose.
- Your child may get a headache, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or they may feel restless or agitated.
- They may have a dry mouth. Eating citrus fruits (e.g. oranges) and taking sips of water may help.
- Their eyesight (vision) may seem blurred.
- Your child may have an upset tummy (stomach ache).
Can other medicines be given at the same time as Desloratadine?
- You can give your child medicines that contain paracetamol or ibuprofen, unless your doctor has told you not to.
- Desloratadine should not be taken with some medicines that you get on prescription. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about any other medicines your child is taking before giving Desloratadine.
- Check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving any other medicines to your child. This includes herbal or complementary medicines.
Is there anything else I need to know about this medicine?
- Desloratadine can affect the ability to do skilled tasks such as riding a bicycle, playing sports and driving. Your child should take care when doing tasks that require coordination, due to potential drowsiness, until they get used to the medicine.
General advice about medicines
- Try to give medicines at about the same times each day, to help you remember.
- If you are not sure a medicine is working, contact your doctor but continue to give the medicine as usual in the meantime. Do not give extra doses, as you may do harm.
- Only give this medicine to your child. Never give it to anyone else, even if their condition appears to be the same, as this could do harm.
- If you think someone else may have taken the medicine by accident, contact your doctor for advice.
- Make sure that you always have enough medicine. Order a new prescription at least 2 weeks before you will run out.
- Make sure that the medicine you have at home has not reached the ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ date on the packaging. Give old medicines to your pharmacist to dispose of.
Where should I keep this medicine?
- Keep the medicine in a cupboard, away from heat and direct sunlight. It does not need to be kept in the fridge.
- Make sure that children cannot see or reach the medicine.
- Keep the medicine in the container it came in.
Who to contact for more information
Your child’s doctor, pharmacist or nurse will be able to give you more information about Desloratadine and about other medicines used to treat allergy with sneezing, wheezing or itching.
