Desloratadine Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 14, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: 5 mg; 2.5 mg/5 mL; 2.5 mg

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis

5 mg orally once a day

Uses:

Relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis
Relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis
Symptomatic relief of pruritus, reduction in the number of hives, and size of hives in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria

Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria

5 mg orally once a day

Uses:

Relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis
Relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis
Symptomatic relief of pruritus, reduction in the number of hives, and size of hives in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis

6 to 11 months: 1 mg orally once a day
12 months to 5 years: 1.25 mg orally once a day
6 to 11 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day
12 years and older: 5 mg orally once a day

Uses:

Patients 6 months and older: Relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis
Patients 6 months and older: Symptomatic relief of pruritus, reduction in the number of hives, and size of hives in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria
Patients 2 years and older: Relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria

6 to 11 months: 1 mg orally once a day
12 months to 5 years: 1.25 mg orally once a day
6 to 11 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day
12 years and older: 5 mg orally once a day

Uses:

Patients 6 months and older: Relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis
Patients 6 months and older: Symptomatic relief of pruritus, reduction in the number of hives, and size of hives in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria
Patients 2 years and older: Relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis

Renal Dose Adjustments

Renal dysfunction:
Children: Data not available
Adults:

Initial dose: 5 mg orally every other day

Liver Dose Adjustments

Liver dysfunction:
Children: Data not available
Adults:

Initial dose: 5 mg orally every other day

Dose Adjustments

Hypersensitivity reaction: This drug should be stopped, and an alternative treatment should be considered.

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Hypersensitivity to the active component, loratadine, or any of the ingredients

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 6 months.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

Take without regard to food.
Tablets should be swallowed with fluid (e.g., a glass of water).
Oral disintegrating tablets should remove from the packaging immediately prior to administration; the tablet should be allowed to disintegrate on the tongue before swallowing.
Oral solutions/syrups should be measured with the included oral dropper/syringe.

Storage requirements:

Oral solution: Do not freeze
Tablets: Protect from moisture

Patient advice:

Inform patients that this drug may cause drowsiness, and they should avoid driving or operating machinery if these side effects occur.
Advise patients to speak to their healthcare provider if they become pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.