What is Softin?
Softin is desloratadine; it is a second-generation, non-sedating, anti-allergic drug. It works by stopping the production of the allergy mediator and is therefore often resorted to by people when accosted with an allergic reaction.
Softin formula:
Softin is a desloratadine, which is a second-generation, non-sedating antiallergic drug.
What are the available forms of Softin in Pakistan?
Softin is available mainly in two different forms: tablet and syrup.
Softin dosage and strength:
The dosage strengths available for Softin are as follows:
- Tablets- 5 mg and 10 mg tablets.
- Syrup- 5mg/5 ml syrup
For adults, the recommended dosage is 5 mg, to be taken orally. In children and adolescents who are 12 years or older, the suggested dosage is 5 mg once daily, to be consumed orally. In children aged 6-11 years, the dosage suggested is 2.5 mg daily, to be taken orally.
How to take Softin?
Softin tablets should not be crushed or chewed but swallowed whole with a glass of water. As for the dosage frequency and time, follow the guidelines given by your healthcare provider. It is important that you do not self-regulate the dosage of the medicine but follow the instructions of your doctor.
It is also recommended that you take the medicine 30 minutes before bedtime. Prior to stopping the use of the medicine, inform your healthcare provider so that you can be guided accordingly.
What are the uses of Softin?
Softin is used mainly to treat allergy related issues, including:
- allergy urticaria
- allergy-induced asthma
- decrease hives
- pruritis
What are the side effects of Softin?
Although Softin is mostly safe to use, it can carry some side effects, much like most drugs. It may cause the following side-effects:
- Hyperbilirubinemia
- Elevated hepatic enzymes
- Palpitations
- Dystonic reaction
- Involuntary movements
- Erythema
- Hepatitis
- Edema
- Dyspnea
- Sinus tachycardia
What are the risks and warnings for Softin?
Allergy or Hypersensitivity:
If you have an allergy to desloratadine, do not take Softin or drugs with similar generic names. An allergic reaction can be mild, resulting in skin rashes, runny nose, etc. However, in some cases, the allergic reaction may be severe, resulting in a life-threatening condition, known as anaphylactic shock.
In anaphylaxis, the airways become constricted due to swelling of the air passageways. Skin breaks out into rashes, the affected person starts wheezing, they get disoriented and dizzy, and might also throw up. If urgent medical aid or an EpiPen is not given to the person, they can even die from the shock.
Therefore, do not make light of your allergies. Disclose any allergies to your healthcare provider, so that your medication is prescribed accordingly.
Asthma:
Asthma results in the swelling of the air pathways, which makes breathing difficult. This reaction occurs when the body comes in contact with an allergen, and anti-allergy helps to remedy this response by the body.
Unfortunately, at times, allergy medication too can lead to thickening of the bronchial secretions, which ends up aggravating asthma. Thus, asthmatic patients should take caution when taking desloratadine. Ideally, they should only take it at the discretion of their doctor.
Kidney failure:
If you have any kidney problems, disclose them to your doctor, who might have to lower the dose of the drug. As our kidneys perform the vital task of excretion of toxins and waste products in the body, their malfunction can result in the accumulation of these toxins. As these toxin levels rise, health gets compromised.
Thus, you must inform your healthcare provider of any such complications and save your body from the adverse impact possible otherwise.
Liver diseases:
People suffering from liver failure should take Softin with caution. Liver is responsible for the metabolism and excretion of drugs in the body. Therefore, when the liver is undergoing failure or is diseased, the body cannot process the drugs that get accumulated therein. This naturally has an adverse impact on the health of the person.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Pregnant women should not take Softin, unless advised otherwise by their doctor as it can adversely affect the health of the baby. Similarly, mothers who are breastfeeding their infants should also consult with their healthcare provider before taking Softin.
Operating machinery:
Since Softin can have a sedative effect, therefore, do not operate a machine or drive after taking the drug.
Phenylketonuria :
Desloratadine’s dispersible tablets contain aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine. It is contraindicated for people with phenylketonuria. Thus, people with phenylketonuria should exercise caution when taking any drug.
Interactions between Softin and other medications:
Desloratadine is an anti-allergy medicine that may interact with other drugs. A drug interaction does not mean that you stop taking your medicines but consult with your healthcare provider and let them handle it.
Following are the drugs that Softin can interact with:
- Acetaminophen
- Caffeine
- Magnesium
- Salicylate
- Phenyltoloxamine
- Chlorpheniramine
- Dextromethorphan
- Phenylephrine
- Pseudoephedrine
- Doxylamine
- Diphenhydramine
- Acrivastine
- Brompheniramine
- Carbetapentane
- Carbinoxamine
- Cetirizine
- Chlophedianol
- Dexbrompheniramine
- Doxylamine
- Pyridoxine
- Fexofenadine
- Heparin
- Hydroxyzine
- Levocetirizine
- Meclizine
- Pyrilamine
- Sedating H1-blockers
- Sincalide
- Triprolidine
In order to prevent drug interactions, you should provide a detailed medical history to your healthcare specialist, including information pertaining to your mental and physical health as well as the medicines that you may be taking for these conditions.
Your doctor can change the dosage or suggest an alternative accordingly in order to prevent any form of a drug interaction.
What is the price of Softin in Pakistan?
Approximate cost of one table of Softin 5 mg, in the year 2022, is Rs. 12/-
Storage Conditions:
- Keep the medication out of the reach and sight of children.
- Softin should be stored at room temperature.
- Discard and not use the medicine after the expiration date has passed.
How to get Softin in Pakistan?
To buy Softin in Pakistan, you need to present the pharmacist with the latest prescription signed by your doctor.
What medicines are available as alternatives to Softin in Pakistan?
Desloratadine is available under different brand names as well, including:
- Softin
- Clarinex
- Deslor
Conclusion:
Allergies can plague anyone. They cause the immune system to enter into overdrive. Swelling the airways, causing hives and rashes on the skin, allergies can be extremely hard on the people suffering from the problem. Some allergens include pollen, dust, smoke, mold, etc.
Softin is a common anti-allergy drug, composed of desloratadine- a second-generation, non-sedating, anti-allergic drug. However, it is not an over-the-counter drug but requires a prescription.
In order to consult a doctor before using Softin, make sure to use Oladocx.com or call (042) 38900939 and get the best expert counseling while availing up to a 50 percent discount on your appointments.
