Aerius (Desloratadine) in Spain: Uses, Syrup and Prescription

Aerius is a prescription medicine containing desloratadine (desloratadina), a non-drowsy antihistamine. In Spain it eases the symptoms of hay fever and other nasal allergies, and of hives. This guide is by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, an English-speaking GP licensed in Spain (Colegiado No. 484814280) who sees patients by video in English and Spanish.

What is Aerius used for?

Aerius is used to ease the symptoms of two allergy problems. The Spanish product information lists:

• allergic rhinitis: sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy nose and eyes, from pollen in season or from dust mites or pets all year;
• hives (urticaria): itchy, raised welts on the skin.

It eases symptoms while you take it, but it does not make the allergy go away.

What is Aerius 5 mg?

"Aerius 5 mg" is the name of the tablet product: Aerius 5 mg comprimidos recubiertos con película. The number is the strength of each tablet. It is not advice on how much to take. Your dose is set by your doctor or the leaflet; ask your pharmacist if you are unsure. The tablets are for adults and teenagers from 12, and they contain lactose.

Do Aerius tablets make you sleepy?

Not often. Desloratadine does not pass much into the brain, so it causes far less drowsiness than older antihistamines. Still, do not drive or use machines until you know how it affects you.

What is Aerius syrup?

It is the liquid form, sold as Aerius 0,5 mg/ml solución oral. It is approved from age 1, so it is often used for children who cannot swallow tablets. It has not been tested in babies under 1. For a child, the doctor works out the amount. Also note:

• in children under 2, most runny noses are caused by infections, not allergies, and Aerius does not help those;
• it contains sorbitol, so people with hereditary fructose intolerance should not take it;
• it contains benzyl alcohol, which can build up in small children, so in under-3s the doctor keeps the course short.

Do you need a prescription for Aerius in Spain?

Yes. Aerius tablets and oral solution need a prescription in Spain. Some packs of generic desloratadine can be bought without one, but most need one. The pharmacist will tell you which pack you can take home.

Who should not take Aerius?

Do not take Aerius if you are allergic to desloratadine, to loratadine or to any of its other ingredients. Check with your doctor first if:

• you or someone in your family has had fits (seizures);
• you have severe kidney disease;
• you cannot digest lactose (tablets) or fructose (oral solution).

Can I drink alcohol with Aerius?

Take care. In studies it did not add to the effects of alcohol, but some people have reacted badly to the mix. It is wise to avoid alcohol, or drink very little.

Can I take Aerius when pregnant or breastfeeding?

It is not advised. In pregnancy it is better avoided, to be safe, even though the data so far show no birth defects. Desloratadine passes into breast milk, so if you breastfeed, your doctor weighs up whether it is worth it. Always ask before you take it.

What are the side effects?

The most common are tiredness, a dry mouth and headache. Less common ones include dizziness, trouble sleeping and diarrhoea. Severe allergic reactions and fits are rare.

In English: what is the equivalent?

The medicine is desloratadine everywhere. In the US it is sold as Clarinex, which needs a prescription. In the UK the same product is sold as Neoclarityn and as generic desloratadine. A Spanish pharmacy asks for a prescription from a doctor licensed in Spain, so a UK or US prescription is normally refused.

When to see a doctor

• Your runny nose does not settle, or comes with fever, face pain or green mucus for days.
• Hives last more than six weeks, or keep coming back.
• You wheeze or cough with your allergy.

When to call 112

• Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
• Hives all over the body with dizziness or fainting.
• A fit (seizure).

Frequently asked questions about Aerius

Getting a medical assessment

If you have hay fever or hives and want advice, you can book a video consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, a physician registered in Spain. You can also read about allergies, choosing an antihistamine and loratadine (Claritin). A prescription is never guaranteed: it is issued only where clinically appropriate after a genuine evaluation, as a private electronic prescription under Spanish law. This service is for urgent, non-emergency care. In an emergency, call 112.

This guide is general information. It does not replace the package leaflet or the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.