#1 Clinical Trials Search in Europe

Desloratadine

This article provides an overview of clinical trials investigating the use of desloratadine, an antihistamine medication, in treating various conditions such as allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria, and atopic dermatitis. These studies examine the drug’s effectiveness, safety profile, and impact on patients’ quality of life across different age groups and administration methods.

Table of Contents

What is Desloratadine?

Desloratadine is a medication used to treat various allergic conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines, which work by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Desloratadine is known by several brand names, including Clarinex, Aerius, and SCH 34117[7][8].

Conditions Treated by Desloratadine

Desloratadine is used to treat several allergic conditions, including:

  • Allergic Rhinitis: This is a condition that causes inflammation in the nasal passages due to allergies, resulting in symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion[1].
  • Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: Also known as chronic hives, this condition causes itchy, red welts on the skin that appear for unknown reasons and last for more than six weeks[7].
  • Atopic Dermatitis: This is a type of eczema that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin[8].

How Desloratadine Works

Desloratadine works by blocking histamine receptors in the body. Histamine is a chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction. By blocking these receptors, desloratadine helps to reduce allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes[1].

Forms and Dosages

Desloratadine comes in several forms:

  • Tablets: Usually 5 mg, taken once daily[5].
  • Oral Disintegrating Tablets (ODT): These are tablets that dissolve in your mouth without needing water[2].
  • Syrup: Liquid form, often used for children[8].

The dosage may vary depending on the condition being treated and the patient’s age. Always follow your doctor’s instructions or the directions on the label.

Effectiveness of Desloratadine

Several studies have shown desloratadine to be effective in treating allergic conditions:

  • In children with allergic rhinitis, desloratadine has been shown to improve nasal symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, itching, and sneezing[1].
  • For patients with chronic urticaria (hives), desloratadine has been found to improve quality of life and reduce symptoms like itching and the number of hives[7].
  • In children with atopic dermatitis, desloratadine syrup has shown effectiveness in relieving symptoms[8].

Potential Side Effects

While desloratadine is generally well-tolerated, like all medications, it can cause side effects in some people. Common side effects may include:

  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea

If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, contact your healthcare provider[7].

Special Considerations

Some important points to remember about desloratadine:

  • Food interactions: Some studies have looked at how food affects the absorption of desloratadine. While it’s generally safe to take with or without food, always follow your doctor’s instructions[3].
  • Higher doses: In some cases, doctors may prescribe higher doses of desloratadine for certain conditions. For example, a study looked at using 20 mg instead of the standard 5 mg for chronic urticaria[6]. However, never increase your dose without consulting your doctor first.
  • Combination treatments: In some cases, desloratadine may be combined with other medications. For instance, a study examined a combination of desloratadine and prednisolone (a corticosteroid) for treating allergic rhinitis in children[4]. Always inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
Aspect Details
Conditions Studied Allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria, atopic dermatitis
Age Groups Adults and children (specific trials for ages 6-12)
Formulations Tablets, orally disintegrating tablets (ODT), syrup
Dosages Ranging from 5 mg to 20 mg, with some pediatric-specific dosing
Study Designs Randomized, double-blind, crossover, bioequivalence, and comparative studies
Primary Outcomes Symptom reduction, quality of life improvement, bioavailability
Safety Assessments Adverse event monitoring, tolerability evaluations
Duration Varying from single-dose studies to 3-month treatments

FAQ

  • What is desloratadine used for in these clinical trials? Desloratadine is being studied for various conditions, including allergic rhinitis (hay fever), chronic urticaria (long-lasting hives), and atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema). It's being tested in different forms such as tablets, syrups, and orally disintegrating tablets.
  • How is the effectiveness of desloratadine measured in these trials? The effectiveness is measured through various methods, including symptom scores (like the Total Nasal Symptom Score for allergic rhinitis), quality of life questionnaires (such as the Dermatology Life Quality Index), and objective measurements like thermography for urticaria lesions.
  • Are there any studies comparing different doses of desloratadine? Yes, one study compared the effects of 5 mg vs. 20 mg desloratadine on skin lesions in patients with chronic urticaria to determine if a higher dose is more effective in treating urticarial lesions.
  • Is desloratadine being studied in children? Yes, there are trials specifically focused on children. For example, one study evaluated the efficacy and safety of desloratadine syrup in children with atopic dermatitis, while another investigated a combination of desloratadine and prednisolone for allergic rhinitis in children aged 6 to 12 years.
  • How long do these clinical trials typically last? The duration of the trials varies. Some are short-term, single-dose studies lasting a few days, while others extend over several weeks. For instance, some trials last 5 days, others 28 days, and some up to 3 months, depending on the specific research objectives.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Desloratadine

  • Study of felzartamab compared to placebo in adults with IgA nephropathy

    Recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Czechia France Germany +5

  • Study on the Effectiveness of PQ Grass for Children and Teens with Seasonal Allergies from Grass Pollen

    Recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Bulgaria Czechia Germany Lithuania Poland Romania +1

  • A study testing dust mite allergy extracts from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae for patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis with or without controlled asthma

    Not yet recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Spain

  • Evaluation of Alutard SQ dog allergen immunotherapy in patients with allergic rhinitis due to dog allergy – A one-year study in Swedish practice

    Not yet recruiting

    1 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Sweden

  • Study on ABCB5+ MSCs for Recessive Dystrophic and Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa Patients

    Not yet recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Austria Croatia Denmark France Germany Greece +6

  • Study comparing bilastine, ebastine, and desloratadine in preventing histamine-induced skin reactions in healthy volunteers

    Not recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Spain

  • Study on BI-1910 and Pembrolizumab for Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors

    Not recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Denmark Germany Poland Spain Sweden

  • Study on the Effects of Mannan-Conjugated Birch Pollen Allergoids for Adolescents and Adults with Birch Pollen-Induced Allergic Rhinitis or Rhinoconjunctivitis

    Not recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Germany

Glossary

  • Bioequivalence: A term used to describe when two drugs have the same biological effect and rate of absorption in the body. In these trials, it's used to compare different formulations of desloratadine.
  • Allergic Rhinitis: An allergic reaction that causes inflammation in the nasal passages, often referred to as hay fever. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion.
  • Chronic Urticaria: A condition characterized by recurring hives (itchy, raised welts on the skin) that last for more than six weeks.
  • Atopic Dermatitis: A chronic, itchy skin condition, also known as eczema, which is common in children but can occur at any age.
  • SCORAD Index: SCORing Atopic Dermatitis, a tool used to measure the extent and severity of eczema, particularly in clinical trials.
  • DLQI: Dermatology Life Quality Index, a questionnaire used to measure the impact of skin conditions on a patient's quality of life.
  • TNSS: Total Nasal Symptom Score, a measure used to assess the severity of nasal symptoms in allergic rhinitis.
  • Orally Disintegrating Tablet (ODT): A tablet designed to dissolve quickly in the mouth without the need for water, making it easier to take for some patients.
  • Pharmacokinetics: The study of how a drug moves through the body, including its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

References

  1. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06272409
  2. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01506050
  3. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01506037
  4. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05214911
  5. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01314339
  6. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00598611
  7. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00795158
  8. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00817076