Desloratadine
Clarinex is the single desloratadine product listed here, a 5 mg tablet used to relieve the nasal and skin symptoms of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Key points
- The label sets different age limits by indication: seasonal allergic rhinitis from 2 years, perennial allergic rhinitis from 6 months.
- Neither food nor grapefruit juice changes how much desloratadine your body absorbs.
- Cimetidine raises plasma levels of desloratadine and its metabolite, though the label reports no clinically relevant safety change.
How does Desloratadine work?
Desloratadine blocks the H1-receptor, the site where histamine attaches to trigger sneezing, itching and swelling. Because it acts on peripheral receptors rather than crossing into the brain in significant amounts, it causes less drowsiness than older antihistamines. The molecule is long-acting, so its receptor blockade persists across a full day. Clarinex, the brand-name version, is the only desloratadine product in this Allergy Relief listing.
Further reading
What is desloratadine used for?
Desloratadine is used to relieve the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis and the skin symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria.
What does desloratadine do in the body?
Desloratadine blocks the H1 receptor, the site where histamine attaches to trigger sneezing, itching and swelling. It acts on peripheral receptors and does not cross into the brain in significant amounts, so it causes less drowsiness than older antihistamines.
How long does desloratadine take to work?
Desloratadine starts working in about 1 hour. Its effect lasts around 24 hours, as the receptor blockade persists across a full day.
What are the side effects of desloratadine?
Common side effects include dry mouth, headache and throat irritation; drowsiness (somnolence), fatigue and indigestion (dyspepsia) can also occur. Serious side effects include severe anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned.
Who should not take desloratadine?
Desloratadine is contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to desloratadine or loratadine. The label sets age limits by indication: seasonal allergic rhinitis from 2 years of age and perennial allergic rhinitis from 6 months of age. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
Which desloratadine products does Direct Meds sell?
On Direct Meds, desloratadine comes as Clarinex. Compare their forms, strengths and packs.
How much does desloratadine cost in South Africa?
Compare the rand prices for each product, strength and pack above. Prices are converted from US dollars. Larger packs usually cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →Is desloratadine available over the counter in South Africa?
Yes, online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order desloratadine. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Can I buy desloratadine online in South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →