FEXOFENADINE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Allegra

GENERIC NAME(S): FEXOFENADINE HCL

Description: Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that works by blocking histamine in the body and helps decrease allergy symptoms.

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption: Absorbed rapidly from the GI tract (oral); peak plasma concentrations after 2-3 hr.

Distribution: Enters breast milk. 60-70% bound to plasma proteins.

Metabolism: Intestinal mucosa (5% of total dose); hepatic (0.5-1.5% of dose).

Excretion: Mainly via faeces, via urine (10% of dose); 14 hr (elimination half-life; may be prolonged in renal impairment).

Uses

Fexofenadine is used to relieve seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching.

How to use fexofenadine

If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed, usually 2 times daily (every 12 hours).

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, shake the bottle well before each dose and measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Take the tablet/capsule or liquid form of this medication with or without food. If you are using the rapidly-dissolving tablet, take it on an empty stomach. Allow the rapidly-dissolving tablet to dissolve on the tongue and then swallow, with or without water. Do not remove the tablet from the blister pack until right before using.

If you need a liquid to take this medication (such as when taking the tablets/capsules), then take this medication with water. Do not take with fruit juices (such as apple, grapefruit, or orange) since they may decrease the absorption of this drug.

The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed. For adults, take 120-180 mg by mouth once daily. For children using the oral suspension or the tablet form, give 30 mg by mouth twice daily if ages 6-11, if 12 years old and above, give 120- 180 mg by mouth once daily.

Do not take antacids containing aluminum and magnesium within 2 hours of taking this medication. These antacids can decrease the absorption of fexofenadine.

Do not drink fruit juice at the same time that you take fexofenadine. Certain fruit juices (eg, grapefruit, apple, orange) may decrease fexofenadine’s effectiveness.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Warnings

Pregnancy Risk: Category C (Risk cannot be ruled out)

Side Effects

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking fexofenadine:

Rare

Chest tightness
feeling of warmth, redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest
large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
shortness of breath, difficult or labored breathing

Some of the side effects that can occur with fexofenadine may not need medical attention:

Vomiting
Headache
Drowsiness
Nausea
Dizziness

Fatigue or feeling tired

Precautions

Before taking fexofenadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Liquid products may contain sugar. The rapidly-dissolving tablets may contain aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Use fexofenadine with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.

Fexofenadine should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 6 months old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including allergy skin testing), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

This drugs action may be reduced by the following drugs: Erythromycin, ketoconazole, antacids containing aluminum and magnesium hydroxide.

Overdose & Brands

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Different brands of this medication may have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Brands

Fexotab [ Standard Chem & Pharm ]	Neofex [ GXI ]
Telfast [ sanofi-aventis ]

Also marketed as

Fenafex [ Eadriex Pharma ]	Fexet [ Getz Pharma ]
Fexodine [ Sriprasit Pharma ]	Fexoral [ Synergen ]
Histofen [ Xeno ]	Rhinogan [ Beximco ]
Sensitin [ Zynova ]