Desloratadine vs. Loratadine

Introduction

Desloratadine and Loratadine are antihistamines; therefore, they are mostly used to ease the prevailing symptoms of persistent allergies, such as hives and hay fever. However, remember that these two medications are different than one another. They have different dosage requirements and varying limitations.

Desloratadine is a derivative of metabolism with remedial effects. It is known to be more effective than its counter medication, Loratadine. You cannot purchase it without a doctor's prescription. It has an enduring half-life; therefore, you are expected to consume it less frequently if you have no additional bodily requirements. Research shows that this medication leaves stable residue in the consumer’s body, unlike its counterpart.

The unpleasant effects of these medications are somewhat negligible; however, you must look out for dry mouth, headache, and drowsiness. Desloratadine, compared to Loratadine, has a lesser tendency to stimulate drowsiness.

About Desloratadine and Loratadine

What Is Desloratadine?

Desloratadine can treat allergic diseases, such as hay fever and hives, by preventing the effects of histamine, which a body formulates due to allergens. It can reduce various allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery or itchy eyes.

Desloratadine is produced in the form of syrup, tablet, and dissolving tablet. Most antihistamines make people sleepy during the day; Desloratadine is less likely to do so. It can be easily tolerated, treating your allergy rapidly.

What Conditions Is Desloratadine Approved to Treat?

The FDA has approved using Desloratadine to treat the following conditions in the US:

Seasonal and permanent allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever.
Chronic idiopathic urticaria, commonly known as hives.

You can take Desloratadine for something other than allergies. However, make sure to steer clear of using medications not prescribed by a doctor. Always consult a medical practitioner before opting to use a medicine.

How Does Desloratadine Work for Allergies?

You can easily treat hay fever with Desloratadine. It restrains the actions of histamine, a chemical released by the body that can give rise to allergic reactions. Whenever you’re exposed to an allergen, such as pet dander or pollen, you might experience an itchy or runny nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. Your immune system gets triggered, inducing an overreaction that results in histamine production.

Moreover, this efficient medication also has anti-inflammatory properties that work well in treating your allergic reactions. Most people opt for first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine since they work well rapidly; however, medical practitioners often recommend Desloratadine, a second-generation antihistamine, because it is less likely to cause drowsiness. Remember that it can only help ease the pain; it won’t cure the condition.

What Is Loratadine?

Loratadine is an over-the-counter antihistamine that can be used to treat allergic diseases, much like Desloratadine. It can easily reduce the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies.

Loratadine is produced in the form of syrup, tablet, and other tablet formats that dissolve in the mouth. Unlike other antihistamines, it doesn’t make the recipient as sleepy during the day. It can be consumed with pseudoephedrine, a decongestant. However, you must look out for certain symptoms, such as arrhythmia and hypertension.

Loratadine is a first-generation antihistamine; therefore, it is more prone to negative consequences in the recipients. These consequences involve drowsiness, drained energy, and sleepiness during the day.

What Conditions Is Loratadine Approved to Treat?

The FDA has approved using Loratadine to treat the following conditions in the US:

Seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Permanent allergic rhinitis.
Chronic idiopathic urticaria, most commonly known as hives.

You can take Loratadine for something other than allergies. However, make sure to steer clear of using medications not prescribed by a medical practitioner. Always consult someone before using this medicine.

How Does Loratadine Work for Allergies?

Loratadine is an efficient medication that can be used to treat hay fever and other allergies because it hinders histamine’s functionality. Whenever you’re exposed to an allergen, such as pet dander or pollen, you may experience a runny nose, itching, sneezing, and watery eyes. Your immune system overreacts, resulting in histamine production.

Loratadine is an antihistamine, a class of drugs that reduces symptoms by putting off histamine. It relieves hay fever symptoms by restraining histamine. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, helping your body fight hay fever. Remember that it can only help ease the pain; it won’t cure the condition.

Effectiveness

How Effective Are Desloratadine and Loratadine for Treating Hay Fever Symptoms?

Desloratadine and Loratadine are two different antihistamines; however, they are equally effective in treating hay fever symptoms.

Desloratadine is a second-generation antihistamine, emerging as a recent compound compared to the first-generation antihistamine loratadine. Research shows that it has a longer action tendency and is more effective in reducing nasal congestion. However insignificant the difference is, it’s there, and it cannot be ignored. This medication is not sedating; therefore, it is favored by those who have heavy work during the day or prefer to stay active without experiencing the draining effects all day long.

On the other hand, Loratadine is a first-generation antihistamine, equally proficient enough to treat hay fever symptoms. However, most people tend to avoid it because it is prone to induce drowsiness in the recipients, making it difficult to concentrate during a busy day.

Remember that the efficacy of Desloratadine and Loratadine may vary from person to person. In many instances, people respond better to Desloratadine; however, some prefer its counterpart. Always consult a medical practitioner before taking any medication.

How Is Desloratadine Administered for Hay Fever?

In most cases, doctors recommend taking desloratadine tablets orally when treating hay fever. Follow the dosage value given below:

Anyone over the age of 12 should take a 5 mg tablet once a day.
Children between the ages of 6 and 11 are recommended to take a 2.5 mg tablet once a day.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions. If you have missed a dose, make sure to take one immediately and regulate your routine accordingly. Don’t take more than one tablet at a time.

How Is Loratadine Administered for Hay Fever?

In most cases, doctors recommend taking loratadine tablets orally when treating hay fever. Follow the dosage value given below:

Anyone over the age of six should take a 10 mg tablet once a day.
Children between the ages of two and five are recommended to take a 5 mg dose once a day.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions. If you have missed a dose, make sure to take one immediately and go back to your regular dosing routine accordingly.

Once you consume this medication orally, it is quickly absorbed into your body. You will start noticing the blood level peaking within an hour or so. However, you may feel drowsiness for about 24 hours. Therefore, you should never take more than a single dose a day.

Side Effects

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Desloratadine?

Desloratadine typically causes moderate side effects, including:

Headache
Verbal parchedness
Fatigue
Dizziness
Nausea
Coughing and a sore throat
Sore muscles
Diarrhea
Insomnia
Menstruation cramps

These side effects are rarely found in any patients. Most patients don’t even feel anything and tolerate this medication without any hassle. However, you should always consult your doctor to be on the safe side. If you experience any of the side effects mentioned above, take immediate medical assistance.

Are There Any Potential Serious Side Effects of Desloratadine?

In rare instances, Desloratadine can be the cause of potentially serious side effects. These side effects include

Trouble breathing or swallowing
Severe allergic reactions
Facial puffiness
Tongue or throat swelling.
Abnormal spike in the heart beat
Unconsciousness

In extremely rare cases, people have also reported liver issues; however, the possibility of such issues is next to nothing. Some of the symptoms you should look out for are as follows:

Abdominal swelling or pain
Jaundice
Yellow urine
Fatigue
Irregular appetite

If you experience any of them, you must get medical assistance immediately.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Loratadine?

Loratadine typically causes moderate side effects, including:

Headache
Drowsiness
Boozy tongue taste
Fatigue
Nausea
Hurting belly
Dizziness
Muscle pain
Diarrhea

These side effects are rarely found in any patients. Most of them don’t feel anything and tolerate this medication without inducing side effects. However, you should always consult your doctor before taking this medicine. If you experience any of the side effects mentioned above, take immediate medical assistance.

Are There Any Potential Serious Side Effects of Loratadine?

In rare instances, Loratadine can cause potentially serious side effects. These side effects include

Trouble breathing or swallowing
Severe allergic reactions
Facial puffiness
Tongue or throat swelling.
Abnormal spike in a heartbeat
Unconsciousness

Contraindications and Interactions

Warnings and General Precautions for Desloratadine and Loratadine

Desloratadine and Loratadine are two different antihistamines known for their effectiveness. Patients who take this medication tolerate it well and rarely experience severe side effects. However, they are advised to take precautions before starting these drugs:

Always consult a doctor before using antihistamines. If you have severe allergic reactions after taking these medications, you should inform your doctor immediately.
If you are pregnant or nursing a child, you should avoid taking these medications without a prescription. Only opt for them when advised by a doctor.
If you are suffering from kidney or liver disease, you should cut back on your dosage. If you experience any disturbance even after that, take medical assistance immediately. Always consult a doctor before completely avoiding these medications.
If you are taking other medicines, such as antifungals, antibiotics, or medications for cardiac irregularities, you must avoid taking Desloratadine and Loratadine. This is because some of them might interact with these medications, triggering a reaction in your body. It’s best to consult a medical practitioner if an allergic condition persists.
Since these antihistamines are known to promote drowsiness, you must avoid alcohol during the time you’re taking these meds. This is because it may increase your chances of feeling down during the day.
Moreover, you might want to avoid driving under the influence of these meds. Increasing drowsiness may result in an unfortunate accident while you’re behind the wheel. Keep an eye out and drive only when necessary.

How Much Do Desloratadine and Loratadine Cost?

Desloratadine and Loratadine can range in price from about $0.50 to about $1.00 per tablet, depending on the brand, the dosage strength, and the pharmacy or retail outlet you visit. These medications come relatively cheaper than other brands.

In the United States, the cost of a 30-day supply of generic Loratadine ranges from $5 to $20 as of March 2023. The cost of 30 capsules of Loratadine under the brand name ranges from $10 to $20. On the other hand, a 30-day supply of Desloratadine might cost you $17 to $20, depending on the dosage.

Remember that prices may vary depending on your location or the type of pharmacy you want to buy it from. If you are unable to afford them, you should use your insurance policy. Since these two medications can help reduce pain and treat a significant disease, some insurance policies may cover them, reducing patients' expenses. If you require exact pricing information or effective solutions to cut costs, it's best to talk to your healthcare practitioner or chemist.

The Popularity of Desloratadine and Loratadine

Desloratadine and Loratadine are commonly used to alleviate allergy symptoms, particularly hay fever. In the United States, we know the following from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey:

Around 24 million prescriptions for Loratadine were filled in 2015-2016, making it the second most widely used antihistamine.
Around 5 million prescriptions for Desloratadine were filled within the same time period, making it the sixth most often used antihistamine.

Loratadine has been on the market as a common drug for a longer time than Desloratadine, explaining why it has a greater total prescription volume. You can easily find these products in the market. A word of caution: always take a prescription with you!