Safety evaluation of desloratadine in allergic rhinitis.

INTRODUCTION: Desloratadine is a biologically active metabolite of second-generation antihistamine loratadine. It is also indicated for the treatment of allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis. AREAS COVERED: A Medline search was conducted to identify preclinical and clinical studies of desloratadine. This was supplemented with additional articles obtained from online sources. The focus of this review is on the safety profile of desloratadine. EXPERT OPINION: The review of these data indicates that the safety profile of desloratadine is similar to other second-generation antihistamines. Desloratadine is highly selective for histamine H₁-receptors, does not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and has minimal adverse events (very low sedation rate), with a better safety and tolerability than first-generation antihistamines. Desloratadine is safe and well tolerated without having central nervous system (CNS) or cardiovascular effects and with low drug interaction.