AERIUS 5mg Tablets/Film-coated

What is AERIUS 5mg

AERIUS 5mg is a pharmaceutical product containing the active ingredient Desloratadine, formulated as film-coated tablets. It belongs to the class of second-generation antihistamines and is primarily used to manage and relieve symptoms associated with allergic conditions.

• Active Ingredient: Desloratadine 5 mg per tablet.
• Therapeutic Use: It is effective for treating allergic rhinitis (both seasonal and perennial), which includes symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy and runny nose, and itchy/watery eyes.
• Other Indications: Also prescribed for chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives), helping to reduce itching and rash.
• Non-Sedating: Compared to first-generation antihistamines, AERIUS 5mg is less likely to cause drowsiness as it selectively blocks peripheral histamine receptors without significant central nervous system penetration.
• Packaging: Available in packs of 30 tablets (15 tablets per blister × 2), suitable for continuous or extended treatment.
• Patient Compliance: Once-daily dosing makes it convenient and easy to adhere to the treatment regimen.

In summary, AERIUS 5mg tablets offer a safe, effective, and well-tolerated option for allergy symptom management, with minimal sedative effects.

How to use AERIUS 5mg

Proper use of AERIUS 5mg tablets ensures optimal therapeutic effect and reduces the risk of side effects. Consider the following points for correct administration:

• Route: Oral administration is recommended. Swallow the tablet whole with a sufficient amount of water.
• Timing: Can be taken with or without food, but taking it at the same time each day is advised for consistency.
• Frequency: The usual dose is one tablet (5 mg) once daily.
• Missed Dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Avoid double dosing to compensate.
• Duration: Use for the period prescribed by your healthcare professional. For seasonal allergies, treatment duration may vary depending on the allergy season. For chronic urticaria, longer treatment may be necessary.
• Special Populations: Use with caution and under medical advice in elderly patients and those with kidney or liver impairment. Dose adjustments may be required.
• Consult Your Doctor: Always inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking and your medical history before starting AERIUS.

Adhering to these guidelines helps ensure effective and safe allergy symptom relief.

Mode of Action AERIUS 5mg

The therapeutic effect of AERIUS 5mg is due to desloratadine, which acts by modulating the body's allergic response:

• Histamine H₁ Receptor Antagonism: Desloratadine selectively blocks peripheral H₁-receptors, preventing histamine—a key mediator released during allergic reactions—from binding and triggering symptoms like itching, swelling, and vasodilation.
• Reduction of Allergic Symptoms: By inhibiting histamine action, it relieves symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
• Minimal Sedation: Desloratadine has limited ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, so it does not usually cause drowsiness, distinguishing it from first-generation antihistamines.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Beyond histamine blockade, desloratadine may reduce other inflammatory mediators, providing additional relief especially in chronic conditions like urticaria.
• Pharmacokinetics: It is rapidly absorbed with peak plasma concentration occurring approximately 3 hours post-dose. The half-life of roughly 27 hours supports once-daily dosing.

This mode of action results in effective and sustained symptom control with a favorable safety profile.

AERIUS 5mg Interactions AERIUS 5mg

Although AERIUS 5mg generally has a low potential for drug interactions, some important considerations include:

• Cytochrome P450 Enzyme System: Desloratadine is metabolized mainly by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzymes. Strong inhibitors like ketoconazole, erythromycin, or ritonavir can increase desloratadine levels, though this is usually not clinically significant.
• Other Antihistamines: Concomitant use with other H₁-antihistamines is not recommended due to potential additive effects and increased risk of side effects.
• Alcohol and CNS Depressants: Though desloratadine causes less sedation, combining it with alcohol or sedatives might enhance drowsiness or impair cognitive function.
• Ritonavir and Other Antivirals: These may increase desloratadine plasma concentration, warranting caution and possible monitoring.
• Inform Your Doctor: Always disclose all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are using to your healthcare provider to prevent unexpected interactions.

Proper management of these interactions ensures continued safety and efficacy.

Dosage of AERIUS 5mg

The dosing regimen for AERIUS 5mg tablets should be tailored to the patient’s age, condition, and clinical response:

• Adults and Adolescents (12 years and older): The recommended dose is one 5 mg tablet once daily.
• Children under 12 years: AERIUS 5mg tablets are generally not recommended; appropriate pediatric formulations should be used instead.
• Elderly Patients: No specific dose adjustments are typically required, but clinical monitoring is advisable.
• Patients with Hepatic or Renal Impairment: Usually no dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate impairment; use caution in severe cases.
• Duration of Treatment: Should be as advised by a healthcare professional. Seasonal allergic rhinitis often requires short-term treatment, while chronic urticaria may necessitate prolonged use.
• Missed Dose Instructions: Take the missed dose as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not double dose.

Following the prescribed dose regimen maximizes therapeutic benefit and minimizes risks.

Possible side effects of AERIUS 5mg

While AERIUS 5mg is well tolerated by most patients, some side effects may occur. Most are mild and transient:

• Common Side Effects:
  • Headache
  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Sore throat
• Less Frequent Side Effects:
  • Dizziness
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Weight changes (rare)
• Serious Side Effects (Rare):
  • Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling of face or throat, difficulty breathing
  • Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
  • Severe headaches or neurological symptoms
• Action if Side Effects Occur: Discontinue medication and seek immediate medical attention if serious allergic or adverse reactions develop.

Reporting any adverse effects to your healthcare provider helps maintain safe treatment.

AERIUS 5mg Contraindications AERIUS 5mg

Use of AERIUS 5mg tablets is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to desloratadine, loratadine, or any excipients contained in the tablet.
• Pediatric Use: Not indicated for children under 12 years in this tablet form; appropriate formulations should be used.
• Severe Hepatic or Renal Impairment: Caution advised; avoid use in severe cases unless directed by a specialist.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: Use only if clearly necessary and under medical supervision.
• Concurrent Use of Other Antihistamines: Avoid to prevent additive adverse effects.

Always consult your healthcare provider to determine if AERIUS 5mg is appropriate for your condition.

Storage of AERIUS 5mg

Proper storage conditions preserve the effectiveness and safety of AERIUS 5mg tablets. Follow these guidelines:

• Temperature: Store at room temperature, preferably between 20°C and 25°C (68°F - 77°F). Avoid excessive heat or freezing.
• Humidity: Keep in a dry place. Protect from moisture by retaining tablets in their original blister packs until use.
• Light Protection: Store away from direct sunlight and strong artificial light sources.
• Container: Keep tablets in their original packaging to prevent contamination and deterioration.
• Out of Reach: Store out of reach and sight of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Expiry Date: Do not use beyond the expiration date printed on the package.

Adhering to recommended storage conditions ensures the medication remains safe and effective throughout its shelf life.