What is Aerius used for?
Aerius is an antihistamine that contains desloratadine as an active ingredient. Desloratadine is an active metabolite of loratadine which is also an antihistamine widely used in clinical practice worldwide. Aerius is usually available in two forms which are the tablet form which is usually light blue round and filmed coated tablets. Another available form of Aerius is syrup form usually for the kids which is in clear orange coloured solution.
Each Aerius tablet contains many ingredients apart from desloratadine, such as calcium hydrogen peroxide, maize starch and microcrystalline cellulose. The coating of the tablet contains lactose, hypromellose, macrogol and many more.
Aerius tablet is commonly used as an antihistamine to reduce allergic symptoms by preventing the action of a chemical substance produced by the body called histamine. Histamine is released by mast cells after an exposure to allergic triggers in certain people. This release of histamine then embarks a series of inflammatory reactions in our body that causes the appearance of signs and symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, itchy skin and so forth.
Therefore, Aerius blocks the effects of histamine and subsequently reduces symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy noise, itchy palate, itchy, red and tearing eyes. Apart from that, it is also commonly used for skin conditions called urticaria which is also known as hives or nettle rash. Urticaria causes itchy and pinkish swellings on the skin. This medication is suitable to be used by both adults and kids as it is available in two different forms. However, it is not recommended for children under 12 months of age and for chronic idiopathic urticaria in kids below 6 months.
What should you do before taking Aerius?
Do inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any severe allergy to any antihistamine previously, including allergic to any foods, dyes and preservatives. Do also inform if you are suffering from any major medical conditions like kidney problems. Tell your doctor on other medications you are currently taking including over the counter drugs as some drugs may
interact with Aerius and reduce the efficacy of it.
Once you are prescribed with Aerius, do confirm with your doctor on the duration of treatment. Allergic rhinitis usually manifests its symptoms in two forms, intermittent and persistent. If you are having symptoms for less than 4 days in a week and less than 4 weeks, you are having intermittent allergic rhinitis. You are recommended to take the tablets until your symptoms go away.
On the other hand, if your symptoms last for more than 4 days in a week and for more than 4 weeks, you are having persistent allergic rhinitis and you will be needing to take the medication whilst you are exposed to triggers. Some common triggers are pollen from flowers, house dust mites and smoke.
Make sure to take them as per your doctor or pharmacist prescription. Do not miss or take extra tablets to compensate for your missed tablets. If you missed any tablets, skip the missed tablet and take your next dose as usual if it is almost time for your next tablet. If not, take a tablet as soon as you remember and continue taking the rest as usual. Never double up your doses as this can cause unnecessary side effects.
What are the side effects of Aerius?
Just like any other medication, Aerius tablets and syrup also possess some mild to moderate side effects. Some examples of side effects are as below;
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Nose bleed
However, not everyone consuming Aerius will experience such side effects. Most of these side effects will go away by itself. Do meet a doctor if any of these side effects become worse or start concerning you.
