ATC code: R06AX27
Desloratadine improve rhinitis symptoms equally effective in men and women.
Adverse events have been reported more frequently by women, especially headaches.
In our opinion, the described differences do not motivate differentiated dosing or treatment in men and women.
Women treated with oral desloratadine 7.5 mg daily for two weeks had 10% and 3% higher Cmax and AUC values than men (24 men, 24 women; ages 19-45 years). The authors considered the variations to be of no clinically relevance and therefore, no dosage adjustment based on sex is deemed necessary. The Cmax and AUC of the active metabolite 3-hydroxydesloratadine was 45% and 48% higher in women [1]. No sex differentiation in dosing is recommended by the manufacturer [2].
In a clinical study conducted by the manufacturer, 924 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and concomitant asthma received oral desloratadine 5 mg once daily for two weeks. Desloratadine improved rhinitis symptoms and the authors reported that no sex differences in effectiveness of desloratadine were observed [3].
In an open-label multiple-dose study in healthy volunteers (24 men, 24 women) receiving oral desloratadine 7.5 mg daily for two weeks, women reported more adverse events than men (9 (38%) vs. 2 (8%)). Headache was the most common adverse event, and only reported by women [1].
No differences in adverse events between men and women were reported from the placebo-controlled trials conducted by the manufacturer [3].
Regarding teratogenic aspects, please consult Janusmed Drugs and Birth Defects (in Swedish, Janusmed fosterpåverkan).
Updated: 2020-08-28
Date of litterature search: 2016-08-10
Reviewed by: Mia von Euler
Approved by: Karin Schenck-Gustafsson