Description:

Aerius 0.5mg/ml Oral Solution 60ml (by MSD) is a non-drowsy antihistamine syrup containing desloratadine. It provides 24-hour relief from symptoms of allergic rhinitis (seasonal/perennial hay fever: sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, itchy nose/throat/eyes, watery eyes) and chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives: itching, redness, swelling). It is suitable for adults and children aged 1 year and older, with a pleasant taste (bubblegum or orange flavor in some markets) and low sedation risk. In Ghana (Accra), it is a widely available prescription antihistamine for allergy relief in pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy, Beybee Pharmacy).

Prescription:

Prescription-only in most regions, including Ghana (requires a doctor’s prescription for dispensing; available through pharmacies with Rx, especially for children or confirmed allergic conditions).

Therapeutic Category:

Second-Generation Non-Sedating Antihistamine / H1-Receptor Antagonist (for allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Desloratadine 0.5 mg per ml (total 30 mg desloratadine in 60ml bottle). Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Propylene glycol, sorbitol solution, sucralose, bubblegum or orange flavor, citric acid monohydrate, disodium edetate, sodium benzoate (preservative), purified water, and pH adjusters. The solution is clear, colorless to pale yellow, and alcohol-free.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Aerius 0.5mg/ml Oral Solution 60ml (standard pediatric/adult syrup; bubblegum flavor common in many markets). Related variants: Aerius 5mg film-coated tablets (adult), Aerius 2.5mg/5ml syrup (different concentration in some regions), or Aerius Rapid Dissolve tablets. The queried 0.5mg/ml 60ml is the standard oral solution for children and adults needing liquid form.

Consume Type:

Oral – Syrup (liquid; shake well before each dose; measured with provided syringe/spoon).

Directions/Usage:

Shake bottle well before use. Take once daily at any time (with or without food).

• Adults and adolescents (12+ years): 10 ml (5 mg) once daily.
• Children 6–11 years: 5 ml (2.5 mg) once daily.
• Children 1–5 years: 2.5 ml (1.25 mg) once daily.
• Children 6–11 months: 2 ml (1 mg) once daily (if prescribed). Use the provided dosing device for accuracy. Do not exceed recommended dose. Duration: As needed or as prescribed (short-term for seasonal allergies; longer for chronic urticaria under medical supervision).

Common Side Effects: Common (usually mild):

• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness (rare, less than with first-generation antihistamines). Other: Nausea, dizziness, sore throat. Rare/serious (seek help): Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), severe drowsiness, or fast/irregular heartbeat.

Package Type:

Amber plastic bottle of 60ml (with child-resistant cap and oral dosing syringe/spoon; often in carton with patient information leaflet).

Storage Advice:

Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep tightly closed. Do not freeze. Discard 2 months after first opening (or per label). Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• For allergic conditions only; not for viral infections or colds.
• Caution in severe liver/kidney impairment (dose adjustment may be needed).
• Generally safe in pregnancy/breastfeeding (Category C; consult doctor).
• May cause mild drowsiness in some—avoid driving/machinery if affected.
• Do not use with other sedating antihistamines or alcohol (increases drowsiness).
• If symptoms persist >7 days, worsen, or include fever/breathing issues, seek medical care.
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk).

Product Substitutes:

Similar desloratadine 0.5mg/ml oral solutions (60ml) in Ghana include:

• Generic desloratadine syrup (various importers).
• Aerius Syrup equivalents or other desloratadine brands (e.g., Neoclarityn generics).
• Alternatives: Loratadine syrup (e.g., Clarityne), cetirizine syrup (Zyrtec generics), or fexofenadine syrup (Allegra generics). Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy) for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) / Merck & Co., Inc. (original brand holder for Aerius). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by MSD regional affiliates or local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked at outlets like Scab Pharmacy, Beybee Pharmacy).

Country of Origin:

Varies by batch/market (original Aerius often manufactured in Singapore, Ireland, or other Merck facilities; generics from India commonly imported to Ghana).