Дезал

Desloratadine

Treatment option: Jock Itch, Hives, Rhinitis, Hay Fever

Medically reviewed

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Дезал

What is Дезал? (Dezal)

Property	Description
Active ingredient	Desloratadine (INN)
Form	Tablets, Oral solution, Orally disintegrating tablets
Pharmacological class	Antihistamine (Selective H1-receptor antagonist)
Common use	Relief of general allergy symptoms
Origin	Synthetic

Desloratadine: Identity and Classification

Дезал (Dezal) is a pharmaceutical preparation containing the active ingredient Desloratadine, a synthetic, long-acting compound used for systemic use in managing allergic discomfort. This medicine is classified as a second-generation antihistamine and functions as a selective H1-receptor antagonist. The classification as a second-generation antihistamine is paramount, as it denotes that the drug is designed to provide effective relief while being primarily non-sedating.

This key feature means the drug offers sustained, once-daily management of allergic symptoms without the significant drowsiness associated with older, first-generation drugs. Desloratadine is the active metabolite derived from the parent drug Loratadine, giving it a well-established history of pharmacological efficacy.

Mechanism Type and Available Forms

The medicine works by blocking histamine at peripheral H1-receptors in the body, which stops the chemical cascade that leads to allergy symptoms. The overall general therapeutic purpose of Дезал is to offer sustained, 24-hour relief from common allergic discomforts, such as the persistent itching and sneezing typical of seasonal allergies.

The drug is used for treating symptoms related to chronic idiopathic urticaria and allergic rhinitis. The drug is available in several dosage forms for oral intake, including conventional tablets and an oral solution, to ensure appropriate administration for a wide range of patients.

What side effects are possible with Дезал?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The following information is based on official regulatory documentation and post-marketing surveillance for desloratadine (the active substance in Дезал).

Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions reported in clinical trials at the recommended 5 mg daily dose that occurred more frequently than with placebo are generally mild. The most Common (reported in ge 1% of patients in excess of placebo) effects include fatigue, dry mouth, and headache.

Very Rare (post-marketing) and clinically significant adverse reactions that have been reported include:

Immune System Disorders: Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema (swelling of the face, tongue, or throat).
Nervous System Disorders: Seizures, dizziness, somnolence (drowsiness), insomnia, and psychomotor hyperactivity.
Cardiovascular: Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) and palpitations.
Hepatobiliary Disorders: Hepatitis and elevated liver enzymes, or increased bilirubin.

Safety Restrictions and Monitoring

Category	Safety Consideration/Restriction
Contraindication	Known hypersensitivity to desloratadine, loratadine, or any of the product's excipients.
Renal/Hepatic Impairment	Use with caution in patients with severe renal insufficiency. The product may be avoided or require dose adjustment in cases of severe hepatic impairment.
Seizure Risk	Use with caution in patients with a medical or familial history of seizures, particularly young children, due to reports of new-onset seizures.
Pregnancy/Lactation	Not recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding as safe use has not been established and the substance is excreted into breast milk.
Alertness	While most individuals do not experience drowsiness, patients should be advised to establish their individual response to the medication before engaging in activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.

This structure reflects the regulatory documentation, noting both common, mild effects identified in controlled trials and the importance of monitoring for rare, serious events identified through surveillance.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Official regulatory documentation structures the overdose profile for Desloratadine (Дезал) based on documented clinical presentations and mandated emergency actions. Suspected over-exposure requires seeking immediate medical attention.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Domain	Official Regulatory Statement
Clinical Presentation	The adverse event profile is similar to therapeutic doses, but the magnitude of the effects can be higher [Source 2.3].
Serious Outcomes	Post-marketing reports document rare occurrences of seizures and cardiac events, including tachycardia and QT prolongation [Source 2.3].

Required Emergency Actions

Official procedural guidance mandates symptomatic and supportive treatment for overdosage [Source 2.1]. The documentation requires that standard measures to remove unabsorbed active substance must be considered [Source 2.1]. There is no known specific antidote listed in the labeling, and regulatory information explicitly states that Desloratadine is not eliminated by haemodialysis [Source 2.3]. The possibility of elimination by peritoneal dialysis is noted as unknown.

Population-Specific Notes

Regulatory labeling notes that in the paediatric population, the magnitude of effects from overdose can be higher than in adults [Source 2.4].

Therapeutic Uses of Дезал

What Дезал Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Дезал (Desloratadine) is commonly used across conditions presenting with episodic or fluctuating symptom patterns. It provides symptomatic relief across key allergic domains, helping to ease the overall burden of distressing manifestations. The conditions where this medication is commonly used include both Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (hay fever) and Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (year-round allergies), as well as Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (hives).

Relief for Allergic Rhinitis (Nasal and Ocular Symptoms)

This medication is relevant for easing challenging manifestations such as frequent sneezing, runny nose (rhinorrhea), and itchy eyes, as well as intense skin itching (pruritus) associated with hives. The drug may assist with providing sustained relief that is relevant for easing symptoms. This supports patients during difficult episodes and may help maintain a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable.

Quick Fact: Relief for Allergic Discomfort	Category	Condition/Symptom Focus
Allergy Type	Seasonal and Perennial Rhinitis
Key Symptom	Intense Skin Pruritus (Itching)
Benefit Focus	Sustained Relief for Symptom Easing

Regulatory References

NIH MedlinePlus overview

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility Rules for Дезал (Desloratadine)

The eligibility for using Desloratadine is strictly defined by regulatory documents based on age, physiological status, and underlying health conditions.

Absolute Contraindications (Must Not Use)

The medicine is absolutely contraindicated for patients with known hypersensitivity to the active substance (desloratadine), any non-active ingredients, or to the related parent drug, loratadine. Additionally, tablet formulations are prohibited for individuals with rare hereditary problems, such as galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption, due to excipients like lactose.

Age-Group and Physiological Status

The drug is approved for use in adults and adolescents (12 years and older). Pediatric eligibility varies by formulation: the oral solution is approved for children as young as six months (US labeling), but the safety of film-coated tablets is not established in children below 12 years (EU labeling). Use is officially not recommended during pregnancy and lactation.

Use with Caution

The medicine must be administered with caution to patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment, or a medical or familial history of seizures, as explicitly stated in the product labeling.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Exposure-Modifying Substances

Co-administration of Desloratadine with specific strong inhibitors, such as Ketoconazole and Erythromycin, results in documented increased plasma concentrations ( Cmax and AUC) of Desloratadine and its active metabolite. However, official studies have classified these pharmacokinetic changes as being clinically insignificant with respect to the safety profile, specifically noting no relevant changes to the QTc interval. No medicinal products are listed as formally contraindicated for use with Desloratadine as a single ingredient.

The enzyme responsible for the formation of the active metabolite (3-hydroxydesloratadine) is not explicitly identified in the official regulatory prescribing information.

Interactions with Food, Alcohol, and Specific Populations

Substance or Population	Official Regulatory Status
Food (Including Grapefruit Juice)	Documented to have no effect on the bioavailability of Desloratadine.
Alcohol	Does not potentiate the performance-impairing effects of alcohol in clinical pharmacology trials.
Severe Renal Impairment	Exhibits increased drug exposure (up to 2.5-fold AUC) requiring consideration.
Hepatic Impairment	Exhibits increased drug exposure (up to 2.4-fold AUC) requiring consideration.

Summary of Constraints

The overall interaction structure is defined by the absence of mandatory time separation rules and the lack of formally prohibited drug combinations. Instead, the profile emphasizes the established neutral status with common substances like alcohol and food, and the officially documented population-specific pharmacokinetic alterations in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment. These findings establish the boundaries for co-administration as defined by regulatory authorities.

Mechanism of Action

Selective H1 Receptor Blockade

Desloratadine functions as a high-affinity, selective antagonist at the peripheral H1-histamine receptor. By competitively binding to these receptors on cells like the endothelium and sensory nerve endings, the molecule inhibits the signaling cascade normally initiated by histamine. The mechanism also involves an independent inhibitory action that suppresses the release of inflammatory mediators, including Leukotriene C4, from mast cells and basophils. This dual action modifies early molecular steps that shape systemic physiological outcomes.

Anti-Exudative Mechanism

By stabilizing the H1-receptor on capillary endothelial cells, the drug affects systems where histamine increases vascular permeability, thereby dampening excessive signaling. This action restricts the movement of fluid (exudation) from capillaries into tissues and minimizes the consequences of excessive mediator activity, contributing to modulation within the targeted inflammatory pathways.

Structural Basis of Peripheral Action

The chemical structure of Desloratadine results in minimal penetration of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), meaning the molecule primarily engages mechanisms that regulate processes in peripheral tissues. This structural limitation ensures that the resulting H1-receptor antagonism occurs locally without altering the crucial functions of central histamine pathways, establishing a low Central Nervous System (CNS) activity profile.

Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Guidelines

Дезал (desloratadine) is taken orally once daily and may be consumed with or without food. It is recommended that the medicine be taken around the same time each day to maintain a consistent dosing schedule.

Standard Dosing by Age Group

The standard prescribed dose is administered once daily. The specific dosage is determined by age:

Age Group	Recommended Daily Dose (Once Daily)
Adults and Adolescents (12+ years)	5 mg (one tablet or 10 mL of oral solution)
Children 6 to 11 years	2.5 mg (5 mL of oral solution)
Children 12 months to 5 years	1.25 mg (2.5 mL of oral solution)
Children 6 to 11 months	1 mg (2 mL of oral solution)

Special Procedural Instructions

For the oral solution, a calibrated measuring device (such as a dropper or oral syringe) must be used to ensure the dose is measured accurately; household spoons should not be used.

For the orally disintegrating tablets (ODT), the tablet must be removed from the blister packaging using dry hands just prior to use. It should be placed on the tongue, allowed to disintegrate quickly, and then swallowed with saliva.

Dosage Adjustments

In adult patients with hepatic (liver) or renal (kidney) impairment, a dose reduction is officially recommended. The starting dose for these adult patients is 5 mg every other day to account for reduced drug clearance.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of studies for Дезал (Desloratadine)

Evidence for use in Allergic Rhinitis (Seasonal and Perennial)

Research exploring whether Desloratadine was associated with changes in allergic rhinitis—a condition characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations—has primarily used Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). These studies monitored patient-reported measures, such as the Total Symptom Score (TSS), over short to intermediate periods, typically two to six weeks. Studies conducted during periods of increased symptom activity described patterns related to symptom measurements in the observed populations, contributing insight regarding short-term symptom patterns in allergic rhinitis. The evidence base largely applies only to the populations studied, which included adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe symptoms.

Evidence for use in Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (Hives)

Desloratadine was also evaluated in research settings involving chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU), a condition marked by functional limitations and cycles of stability and flare-ups. The research included multiple placebo-controlled RCTs that examined the severity of the condition by monitoring outcomes related to physiological strain, specifically tracking the number of hives and the intensity of itching using scales like the Urticaria Activity Score (UAS). Studies focusing on episodes where symptoms became more noticeable described patterns related to measurements observed in the study cohorts. Data for continuous treatment beyond the typical six-week trial periods remain insufficient, and subgroup findings are uncertain for complex populations.

Long-term Studies and Follow-up

The bulk of the authoritative evidence comes from studies that observed responses over defined time intervals, usually short-term (2 weeks) or intermediate-term (4 to 6 weeks). While some trials extended follow-up to 12 weeks, there is limited information for long-term outcomes for how symptoms evolve over periods of continuous use longer than a few months. Research exploring long-term symptom patterns over multiple seasons or years is primarily based on observational settings, which provide context but not individual predictions in the same way that randomized trials do.

What is Still Uncertain about Дезал (Desloratadine)

Despite the volume of research available, there are aspects of Desloratadine’s use where certainty remains low or evidence is limited. Comparative evidence is lacking for direct, head-to-head trials against all available second-generation antihistamines. The evidence quality varies across studies, especially for those that track outcomes over longer timeframes. Additionally, while higher doses were observed in some studies for refractory CIU, the long-term effects of this dosing strategy are not fully established. Research is ongoing to provide deeper insight into long-term outcomes and subgroup findings.

Key Studies & References

Desloratadine: MedlinePlus Drug Information (General overview and population context)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Дезал (FAQ)

Q: Does Dezal help with all types of allergies?

Official product information states that Dezal is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis (both seasonal and year-round) and chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives). This information focuses on the conditions explicitly supported by the authoritative documentation.

Q: How does Dezal interact with other medicines, e.g., pain relievers?

Regulatory studies have examined the co-administration of Dezal with common non-prescription pain relievers. These official studies have not described any clinically significant interactions when co-administered with medicines such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.

Q: What is the maximum allowed period of continuous Dezal intake, according to the instructions?

The duration of continuous use is described in the product information as being related to the type of condition being managed. For intermittent allergic rhinitis (symptoms occurring only sometimes), treatment can typically be discontinued once symptoms are eliminated. For persistent conditions, official documents describe that continuous use may be appropriate during periods of high allergen exposure.

Q: Can Dezal be taken only as needed, not as a course?

Official guidance indicates that for patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis (where symptoms occur for less than four days a week or less than four weeks), regulatory guidance describes that the medicine may be discontinued when symptoms are resolved and restarted when they reappear. For chronic or persistent conditions, ongoing daily use may be necessary.

Q: What is known about the long-term safety of taking Dezal?

The primary authoritative evidence for Dezal’s effectiveness and safety typically comes from controlled clinical studies lasting up to four to six weeks. While continuous treatment may be necessary for some chronic conditions, research data concerning safety and symptom patterns during continuous use extending beyond a few months is officially limited.

Q: How can Dezal affect test results?

Official safety information includes very rare reports of effects on certain laboratory tests. These reports specifically mention possible elevations in liver enzymes and bilirubin.

Q: Is there a risk that the body will "get used to" Dezal and it will stop working?

Official regulatory documents do not contain information indicating the formation of dependence with the use of this medicine. Additionally, clinical studies did not demonstrate signs of tachyphylaxis (the body getting used to the drug leading to reduced effectiveness) during the observed 28-day treatment period.

Q: How quickly does a Dezal tablet start working after ingestion?

Pharmacological studies described in the official product information indicate that the antihistaminic effect of Dezal tends to become apparent within 1 hour after the tablet is taken.

Q: What happens if I miss one dose of Dezal?

According to regulatory instructions, if a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as the patient remembers. If it is already close to the time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped entirely, and the regular schedule resumed. Regulatory instructions state that a double dose should not be taken to compensate for a missed dose.

Q: Can Dezal cause weight gain?

Official product safety information lists increased appetite and increased weight as adverse reactions. These effects are reported with a frequency classified as unknown, meaning the exact rate cannot be estimated from the available post-marketing surveillance data.

Q: Does Dezal affect blood pressure?

Official documents related to single-ingredient Dezal do not identify changes in blood pressure as a common adverse reaction. However, very rare reports of tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) and palpitations have been noted in safety monitoring.

Q: Does Dezal help with allergic cough?

Regulatory monographs in some jurisdictions list Dezal for the relief of symptoms related to allergic rhinitis, which can include the management of allergic cough.

Q: Is it true that Dezal is not addictive?

Official regulatory documents do not contain data or reports indicating the formation of dependence (addiction) upon the use of Dezal.

How should Дезал be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal of Дезал (Desloratadine)

The official labeling mandates strict storage conditions to maintain the stability of Desloratadine. The medicine must be stored at a temperature below 25 C and kept in its original container for protection from light and moisture. A critical safety requirement is that the product must be stored out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Requirements

Disposal Type	Regulatory Mandate
Prohibited Disposal	Do not dispose of via wastewater or household trash.
Official Procedure	Return unused or expired medicine to a local collection point for pharmaceutical waste, in accordance with local regulations for safe disposal.