FDA-approved label information
Reproduced from the FDA Structured Product Label via the openFDA API. Label version: July 10, 2025.
- Status
- Human Prescription Drug
- Brand names
- Desloratadine
- Route
- Oral
- Drug class
- Histamine-1 Receptor Antagonist [EPC]
Description
11 DESCRIPTION Desloratadine Tablets are light blue, round, tablets containing 5 mg desloratadine, an antihistamine, to be administered orally. Desloratadine Tablets also contain the following excipients: microcrystalline cellulose NF, pregelatinized starch NF, croscarmellose sodium NF, talc USP, zinc stearate, USP and FD&C Blue #2 HT 11-14%. Desloratadine is a white to off-white powder that is slightly soluble in water, but very soluble in ethanol and propylene glycol. It has an empirical formula: C 19 H 19 ClN 2 and a molecular weight of 310.8. The chemical name is 8-chloro-6,11-dihydro-11-(4-piperdinylidene)-5 H -benzo[5,6]cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyridine and has the following structure: Chemical Structure
Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Desloratadine Tablets are a histamine-1 (H1) receptor antagonist indicated for: • Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms in patients 12 years of age and older. ( 1.1 ) • Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms in patients 12 years of age and older. ( 1.2 ) • Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: symptomatic relief of pruritus, reduction in the number of hives, and size of hives in patients 12 years of age and older. ( 1.3 ) 1.1 Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Desloratadine Tablets are indicated for the relief of the nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients 12 years of age and older. 1.2 Perennial Allergic Rhinitis Desloratadine Tablets are indicated for the relief of the nasal and non-nasal symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis in patients 12 years of age and older. 1.3 Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria Desloratadine Tablets are indicated for the symptomatic relief of pruritus, reduction in the number of hives, and size of hives, in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria 12 years of age and older.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Desloratadine Tablets are contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to this medication or to any of its ingredients or to loratadine [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. • Hypersensitivity ( 4 , 6.2 )
Warnings and cautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, pruritus, urticaria, edema, dyspnea, and anaphylaxis have been reported. In such cases, stop Desloratadine Tablets at once and consider alternative treatments. ( 5.1 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, pruritus, urticaria, edema, dyspnea, and anaphylaxis have been reported after administration of desloratadine. If such a reaction occurs, therapy with Desloratadine Tablets should be stopped and alternative treatment should be considered. [ See Adverse Reactions (6.2) .]
Adverse reactions
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: • Hypersensitivity reactions. [ See Warnings and Precautions (5.1) .] • The most common adverse reactions (reported in ≥2% of adult and adolescent patients with allergic rhinitis and greater than placebo) were pharyngitis, dry mouth, myalgia, fatigue, somnolence, dysmenorrhea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Virtus Pharmaceuticals, LLC at 1-888-848-3593 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Adults and Adolescents Allergic Rhinitis: In multiple-dose placebo-controlled trials, 2834 patients ages 12 years or older received Desloratadine Tablets at doses of 2.5 mg to 20 mg daily, of whom 1655 patients received the recommended daily dose of 5 mg. In patients receiving 5 mg daily, the rate of adverse events was similar between Desloratadine and placebo-treated patients. The percent of patients who withdrew prematurely due to adverse events was 2.4% in the Desloratadine group and 2.6% in the placebo group. There were no serious adverse events in these trials in patients receiving desloratadine. All adverse events that were reported by greater than or equal to 2% of patients who received the recommended daily dose of Desloratadine Tablets (5 mg once daily), and that were more common with Desloratadine Tablets than placebo, are listed in Table 1. Table 1 Incidence of Adverse Events Reported by ≥2% of Adult and Adolescent Allergic Rhinitis Patients Receiving Desloratadine Tablets Adverse Event Desloratadine Tablets 5 mg (n=1655) Placebo (n=1652) Infections and Infestations Pharyngitis 4.1% 2.0% Nervous System Disorders Somnolence 2.1% 1.8% Gastrointestinal Disorders Dry Mouth 3.0% 1.9% Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders Myalgia 2.1% 1.8% Reproductive System and Breast Disorders Dysmenorrhea 2.1% 1.6% General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Fatigue 2.1% 1.2% The frequency and magnitude of laboratory and electrocardiographic abnormalities were similar in Desloratadine and placebo-treated patients. There were no differences in adverse events for subgroups of patients as defined by gender, age, or race. Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: In multiple-dose, placebo-controlled trials of chronic idiopathic urticaria, 211 patients ages 12 years or older received Desloratadine Tablets and 205 received placebo. Adverse events that were reported by greater than or equal to 2% of patients who received Desloratadine Tablets and that were more common with Desloratadine than placebo were (rates for Desloratadine and placebo, respectively): headache (14%, 13%), nausea (5%, 2%), fatigue (5%, 1%), dizziness (4%, 3%), pharyngitis (3%, 2%), dyspepsia (3%, 1%), and myalgia (3%, 1%). Pediatrics Two hundred and forty-six pediatric subjects 6 months to 11 years of age received Desloratadine Oral Solution for 15 days in three placebo-controlled clinical trials. Pediatric subjects aged 6 to 11 years received 2.5 mg once a day, subjects aged 1 to 5 years received 1.25 mg once a day, and subjects 6 to 11 months of age received 1.0 mg once a day. In subjects 6 to 11 years of age, no individual adverse event was reported by 2 percent or more of the subjects. In subjects 2 to 5 years of age, adverse events reported for Desloratadine and placebo in at least 2 percent of subjects receiving Desloratadine Oral Solution and at a frequency greater than placebo were fever (5.5%, 5.4%), urinary tract infection (3.6%, 0%) and varicella (3.6%, 0%). In subjects 12 months to 23 months of age, adverse events reported for the Desloratadine product and placebo in at least 2 percent of subjects receiving Desloratadine Oral Solution and at a frequency greater than placebo were fever (16.9%, 12.9%), diarrhea (15.4%, 11.3%), upper respiratory tract infections (10.8%, 9.7%), coughing (10.8%, 6.5%), appetite increased (3.1%, 1.6%), emotional lability (3.1%, 0%), epistaxis (3.1%, 0%), parasitic infection (3.1%, 0%), pharyngitis (3.1%, 0%), rash maculopapular (3.1%, 0%). In subjects 6 months to 11 months of age, adverse events reported for Desloratadine and placebo in at least 2 percent of subjects receiving Desloratadine Oral Solution and at a frequency greater than placebo were upper respiratory tract infections (21.2%, 12.9%), diarrhea (19.7%, 8.1%), fever (12.1%, 1.6%), irritability (12.1%, 11.3%), coughing (10.6%, 9.7%), somnolence (9.1%, 8.1%), bronchitis (6.1%, 0%), otitis media (6.1%, 1.6%), vomiting (6.1%, 3.2%), anorexia (4.5%, 1.6%), pharyngitis (4.5%, 1.6%), insomnia (4.5%, 0%), rhinorrhea (4.5%, 3.2%), erythema (3.0%, 1.6%), and nausea (3.0%, 0%). There were no clinically meaningful changes in any electrocardiographic parameter, including the QTc interval. Only one of the 246 pediatric subjects receiving Desloratadine Oral Solution in the clinical trials discontinued treatment because of an adverse event. 6.2 Post-Marketing Experience Because adverse events are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The following spontaneous adverse events have been reported during the marketing of desloratadine: Cardiac disorders: tachycardia, palpitations Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: dyspnea Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: rash, pruritus Nervous system disorders: psychomotor hyperactivity, movement disorders (including dystonia, tics, and extrapyramidal symptoms), seizures (reported in patients with and without a known seizure disorder) Immune system disorders: hypersensitivity reactions (such as urticaria, edema and anaphylaxis) Investigations: elevated liver enzymes including bilirubin Hepatobiliary disorders: hepatitis Metabolism and nutrition disorders: increased appetite
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 7.1 Inhibitors of Cytochrome P450 3A4 In controlled clinical studies co-administration of desloratadine with ketoconazole, erythromycin, or azithromycin resulted in increased plasma concentrations of desloratadine and 3 hydroxydesloratadine, but there were no clinically relevant changes in the safety profile of desloratadine. [ See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) .] 7.2 Fluoxetine In controlled clinical studies co-administration of desloratadine with fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), resulted in increased plasma concentrations of desloratadine and 3 hydroxydesloratadine, but there were no clinically relevant changes in the safety profile of desloratadine. [ See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) .] 7.3 Cimetidine In controlled clinical studies co-administration of desloratadine with cimetidine, a histamine H 2 -receptor antagonist, resulted in increased plasma concentrations of desloratadine and 3 hydroxydesloratadine, but there were no clinically relevant changes in the safety profile of desloratadine. [ See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) . ]
Use in specific populations
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS • Renal impairment: dosage adjustment is recommended ( 2.5 , 8.6 , 12.3 ) • Hepatic impairment: dosage adjustment is recommended ( 2.5 , 8.7 , 12.3 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The limited available data with Desloratadine in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Desloratadine given during organogenesis to pregnant rats was not teratogenic at the summed area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)-based exposures of desloratadine and its metabolite approximately 320 times that at the recommended human daily oral dose (RHD) of 5 mg/day. Desloratadine given during organogenesis to pregnant rabbits was not teratogenic at the AUC-based exposures of desloratadine approximately 230 times that at the RHD. Desloratadine given to pregnant rats during organogenesis through lactation resulted in reduced body weight and slow righting reflex of F 1 pups at the summed AUC-based exposures of desloratadine and its metabolite approximately 70 times or greater than that at the RHD [ see Data ]. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Desloratadine was given orally during organogenesis to pregnant rats at doses of 6, 24 and 48 mg/kg/day (approximately 50, 200 and 320 times the summed AUC-based exposure of desloratadine and its metabolite at the RHD). No fetal malformations were present. Reduced fetal weights and skeletal variations noted at doses of 24 and 48 mg/kg/day were likely secondary to the maternal toxicities of reduced body weight gain and food consumption observed at the same doses. Desloratadine was also given orally during organogenesis to pregnant rabbits at doses of 15, 30 and 60 mg/kg/day (approximately 30, 70 and 230 times the AUC-based exposure of desloratadine at the RHD). No adverse effects to the fetus were noted. Reduced maternal body weight gain was noted in rabbits at 60 mg/kg/day. In a peri- and post-natal development study, desloratadine was given to rats orally during the perinatal (Gestation Day 6) through lactation periods (Postpartum Day 21) at doses of 3, 9 and 18 mg/kg/day. Reduced body weight and slow righting reflex were reported in F 1 pups at doses of 9 mg/kg/day or greater (approximately 70 times or greater than the summed AUC-based exposure of desloratadine and its metabolite at the RHD). Desloratadine had no effect on F 1 pup development at 3 mg/kg/day (approximately 10 times the summed AUC-based exposure of desloratadine and its metabolite at the RHD). Maternal toxicities including reduced body weight gain and food consumption were noted at 18 mg/kg/day for F 0 dams. F 1 offspring were subsequently mated and there was no developmental toxicity for F 2 pups observed. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Desloratadine passes into breast milk. There are not sufficient data on the effects of desloratadine on the breastfed infant or the effects of desloratadine on milk production. The decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue desloratadine, taking into account the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding, the nursing mother’s clinical need, and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from desloratadine or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Infertility There are no data available on human infertility associated with desloratadine. There were no clinically relevant effects of desloratadine on female fertility in rats. A male specific decrease in fertility occurred at an oral desloratadine dose of 12 mg/kg or greater in rats (approximately 65 times the summed AUC-based exposure of desloratadine and its metabolite at the RHD). Male fertility was unaffected at a desloratadine dose of 3 mg/kg (approximately 10 times the summed AUC-based exposure of desloratadine and its metabolite at the RHD). [ See Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) .] 8.4 Pediatric Use The recommended dose of Desloratadine Oral Solution in the pediatric population is based on cross-study comparison of the plasma concentration of Desloratadine in adults and pediatric subjects. The safety of Desloratadine Oral Solution has been established in 246 pediatric subjects aged 6 months to 11 years in three placebo-controlled clinical studies. Since the course of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria and the effects of Desloratadine are sufficiently similar in the pediatric and adult populations, it allows extrapolation from the adult efficacy data to pediatric patients. The effectiveness of Desloratadine Oral Solution in these age groups is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of Desloratadine Tablets in adults. The safety and effectiveness of Desloratadine Tablets or Desloratadine Oral Solution have not been demonstrated in pediatric patients less than 6 months of age. [ See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) . ] 8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies of desloratadine did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. [ See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) . ] 8.6 Renal Impairment Dosage adjustment for patients with renal impairment is recommended [ see Dosage and Administration (2.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 8.7 Hepatic Impairment Dosage adjustment for patients with hepatic impairment is recommended [ see Dosage and Administration (2.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The limited available data with Desloratadine in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Desloratadine given during organogenesis to pregnant rats was not teratogenic at the summed area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)-based exposures of desloratadine and its metabolite approximately 320 times that at the recommended human daily oral dose (RHD) of 5 mg/day. Desloratadine given during organogenesis to pregnant rabbits was not teratogenic at the AUC-based exposures of desloratadine approximately 230 times that at the RHD. Desloratadine given to pregnant rats during organogenesis through lactation resulted in reduced body weight and slow righting reflex of F 1 pups at the summed AUC-based exposures of desloratadine and its metabolite approximately 70 times or greater than that at the RHD [ see Data ]. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Desloratadine was given orally during organogenesis to pregnant rats at doses of 6, 24 and 48 mg/kg/day (approximately 50, 200 and 320 times the summed AUC-based exposure of desloratadine and its metabolite at the RHD). No fetal malformations were present. Reduced fetal weights and skeletal variations noted at doses of 24 and 48 mg/kg/day were likely secondary to the maternal toxicities of reduced body weight gain and food consumption observed at the same doses. Desloratadine was also given orally during organogenesis to pregnant rabbits at doses of 15, 30 and 60 mg/kg/day (approximately 30, 70 and 230 times the AUC-based exposure of desloratadine at the RHD). No adverse effects to the fetus were noted. Reduced maternal body weight gain was noted in rabbits at 60 mg/kg/day. In a peri- and post-natal development study, desloratadine was given to rats orally during the perinatal (Gestation Day 6) through lactation periods (Postpartum Day 21) at doses of 3, 9 and 18 mg/kg/day. Reduced body weight and slow righting reflex were reported in F 1 pups at doses of 9 mg/kg/day or greater (approximately 70 times or greater than the summed AUC-based exposure of desloratadine and its metabolite at the RHD). Desloratadine had no effect on F 1 pup development at 3 mg/kg/day (approximately 10 times the summed AUC-based exposure of desloratadine and its metabolite at the RHD). Maternal toxicities including reduced body weight gain and food consumption were noted at 18 mg/kg/day for F 0 dams. F 1 offspring were subsequently mated and there was no developmental toxicity for F 2 pups observed.
Paediatric use
8.4 Pediatric Use The recommended dose of Desloratadine Oral Solution in the pediatric population is based on cross-study comparison of the plasma concentration of Desloratadine in adults and pediatric subjects. The safety of Desloratadine Oral Solution has been established in 246 pediatric subjects aged 6 months to 11 years in three placebo-controlled clinical studies. Since the course of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria and the effects of Desloratadine are sufficiently similar in the pediatric and adult populations, it allows extrapolation from the adult efficacy data to pediatric patients. The effectiveness of Desloratadine Oral Solution in these age groups is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of Desloratadine Tablets in adults. The safety and effectiveness of Desloratadine Tablets or Desloratadine Oral Solution have not been demonstrated in pediatric patients less than 6 months of age. [ See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) . ]
Overdosage
10 OVERDOSAGE In the event of overdose, consider standard measures to remove any unabsorbed drug. Symptomatic and supportive treatment is recommended. Desloratadine and 3-hydroxydesloratadine are not eliminated by hemodialysis. Information regarding acute overdosage is limited to experience from post-marketing adverse event reports and from clinical trials conducted during the development of the Desloratadine product. In a dose-ranging trial, at doses of 10 mg and 20 mg/day somnolence was reported. In another study, no clinically relevant adverse events were reported in normal male and female volunteers who were given single daily doses of Desloratadine 45 mg for 10 days [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ].
Source: US Food and Drug Administration, via the openFDA API. The FDA does not review, endorse or verify third-party reproductions of this data, and label information may have been updated since it was retrieved.
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