Desloratadine belongs to a group of medications known as antihistamines, specifically the class known as H1-receptor antagonists. Pseudoephedrine belongs to a group of medications called decongestants. This medication is used to relieve the symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergies including nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, itchy palate, coughing, and itchy watery red eyes.

During an allergic reaction, the body produces a chemical called histamine, which causes allergy symptoms such as hives, runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat, congestion, and itchy watery eyes. Desloratadine works by blocking the action of histamine in the body. Pseudoephedrine works by narrowing the blood vessels. This helps to clear and prevent the symptoms of congestion.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The usual recommended dose of desloratadine - pseudoephedrine for adults and children 12 years of age and over is one tablet twice daily taken with a glass of water. This medication should be swallowed whole and may be taken with or without meals. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets.

Do not take this medication for more than 14 days in a row without consulting your doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Each blue and white, bilayer, oval, extended-release tablet, with "D12" branded to the blue layer, contains 2.5 mg of desloratadine in the blue immediate-release layer and 120 mg of pseudoephedrine sulfate, USP in the white extended-release layer which is released slowly. Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid anhydrous, corn starch, edetate disodium, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake dye, hypromellose, povidone, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, and stearic acid.

Desloratadine - pseudoephedrine should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to desloratadine, pseudoephedrine, or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• has high blood pressure
• has hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• has narrow-angle glaucoma
• has severe coronary artery disease
• has taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor within the past 14 days or who intends to take one within the next 14 days
• has urinary retention

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• dizziness
• dry mouth, nose, or throat
• fatigue
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• pounding heartbeat
• ringing or buzzing in ears
• stomach pain
• unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• difficult or painful urination (children)
• restlessness with increased body movement
• symptoms of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin or eyes
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• seizures
• symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the mouth or throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Kidney function: People with severely reduced kidney function should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: People with severely reduced liver function should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Medical conditions: Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine should be used with caution by people with peptic ulcer, enlarged prostate, urinary tract blockage, heart disease, glaucoma, overactive thyroid, or diabetes.

Pregnancy: Desloratadine should not be taken by women who are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Desloratadine passes into breast milk. It should not be taken by women who are breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using desloratadine - pseudoephedrine have not been established for children less than 12 years of age.

There may be an interaction between desloratadine - pseudoephedrine and any of the following:

• amphetamines
• antacids
• appetite suppressants (diet pills)
• beta-blockers
• bromocriptine
• cabergoline
• ergotamine
• dihydroergotamine
• MAO inhibitors
• maprotiline
• methylphenidate
• tricyclic antidepressants

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.