Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Desloratadine Tablets
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
DESLORATADINE TABLETS provide:
fast 24 hour effective relief from seasonal allergies (trees,
grass, pollen and ragweed) and year round allergies (dust mites, animal dander and moulds) resulting in symptoms including nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, stuffiness; itchy palate; itchy ears; itchy throat; allergic cough; as well as swollen, itchy, burning, watery and red eyes.
fast and effective relief of allergic skin conditions, such as
skin itch and hives.
What it does:
DESLORATADINE TABLETS is a product proven to work in multiple ways. Its’ anti-allergic action and anti-inflammatory properties provide a multi defense against allergy symptoms. DESLORATADINE TABLETS is a long-acting antihistamine that blocks the action of histamine.
DESLORATADINE TABLETS have anti-inflammatory properties that also help by reducing swelling and related symptoms such as nasal congestion, redness and hives.
Most people will feel relief of allergy symptoms within 75 minutes of taking DESLORATADINE TABLETS.
Symptom relief will be maintained for 24 hours.
DESLORATADINE TABLETS does not cause drowsiness.
DESLORATADINE TABLETS can be used by people with mild to moderate asthma.
When it should not be used:
DESLORATADINE TABLETS should not be used:
- if you are allergic to desloratadine or to any of the other product ingredients (See What the nonmedicinal ingredients are).
if you are pregnant or nursing.
What the medicinal ingredient is:
Desloratadine
What the nonmedicinal ingredients are:
FD&C blue #2/indigo carmine aluminum lake, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, mannitol, methyl cellulose, opadry II blue 32B10817, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide and zinc stearate.
What dosage forms it comes in:
Tablets, 5 mg
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Serious Warnings and Precautions
Tell your doctor if you have severe liver or kidney disease.
BEFORE you use DESLORATADINE TABLETS talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- have liver or kidney disease
- plan to become pregnant
- have medical or family history of seizures
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
DESLORATADINE TABLETS may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how DESLORATADINE TABLETS works.
If you are taking any medication, it is important to ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking DESLORATADINE TABLETS.
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Usual dose:
Adults and children (12 years of age and older): Swallow one tablet with water, once daily, regardless of mealtime.
Overdose:
In case of overdose, contact your Poison Control Centre, doctor or pharmacist immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ
Page 35 of 35 Missed Dose:
If you miss taking your dose on time, do not worry; take your dose when you remember. Do not exceed more than one dose in 24 hours.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Along with its desired effects, DESLORATADINE TABLETS may cause undesirable effects.
Side effects that may occur include, dry mouth, fatigue and headache.
At the recommended dose, this medicine is not expected to affect your ability to drive or use machines. Drowsiness has been reported very rarely. Although most people do not experience drowsiness, it is recommended not to engage in activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving a car or operating machinery until you have established your own response to the medicinal product.
| SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, HOW OFTEN THEY HAPPEN | ||||||
| AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM | ||||||
| Symptom / effect | Talk with your doctor or pharmacist | Stop taking drug and call your doctor or pharmacist | ||||
Only if severe | In all cases | |||||
| Very Rare | Allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling of lips, tongue, face, throat and difficulty in breathing) | ✓ | ||||
| Very Rare | Fast heart rate or heart palpitations | ✓ | ||||
Restlessness with increased body movement | ✓ | |||||
| Seizures | ✓ | |||||
Liver dysfunction - i.e. inflammation of the liver (appearance of jaundice - yellowing of the skin) | ✓ | |||||
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking DESLORATADINE TABLETS, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
HOW TO STORE IT
Store at room temperature 15°C to 30°C. Protect from moisture.
Keep out of reach of children.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting
(https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada/adverse-reaction-reporting.html) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
- Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
MORE INFORMATION
If you have questions or are not sure about anything, then you should ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This leaflet plus the full product monograph, prepared for health professionals, can be obtained by contacting DISpedia, Apotex's Drug Information Service at:
1-800-667-4708
This leaflet can also be found at:
http://www.apotex.ca/products