Aerius

Aerius

Aerius is a brand name for the drug desloratadine, which is an antihistamine used to treat allergic reactions. Desloratadine is a third-generation antihistamine, meaning it is less likely to cause drowsiness compared to its first and second-generation counterparts. Aerius is primarily used in the treatment of allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and urticaria (hives).

Medical Uses

Aerius is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with:

• Allergic rhinitis, both seasonal and perennial. This includes symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge (rhinorrhea), nasal itching, and congestion, as well as itching and burning of the eyes.
• Urticaria (hives), providing relief from itching and improving the appearance of the hives.

Mechanism of Action

Desloratadine, the active ingredient in Aerius, works by blocking the action of histamine - a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. It selectively inhibits peripheral histamine H1-receptors because it does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier, which minimizes sedation (drowsiness).

Pharmacokinetics

Desloratadine is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and reaches peak plasma concentrations within about 3 hours. It is extensively metabolized in the liver, and its metabolites, along with unchanged desloratadine, are excreted in urine and feces. The half-life of desloratadine is approximately 27 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing.

Side Effects

The side effects of Aerius are generally mild and may include headache, fatigue, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Due to its non-sedating properties, drowsiness is uncommon, making it a suitable option for individuals who need to maintain alertness.

Contraindications

Aerius is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to desloratadine or any of the excipients in the formulation. Caution is advised when prescribing to pregnant or breastfeeding women due to the lack of conclusive safety data.

Dosage and Administration

Aerius is available in various forms, including tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and syrup, making it suitable for adults and children. The recommended dose for adults and children over 12 years is 5 mg once daily. For children, the dose may vary depending on age and weight.

Interactions

Desloratadine has a low potential for drug interactions. However, it is metabolized by enzymes in the liver, and therefore, care should be taken when it is administered with other drugs that are metabolized by the same pathway, as this could potentially alter the plasma concentration of desloratadine.