General Info: Uses and Effects

Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that helps in treating allergies like itching, hives, sneezing, itching eyes/nose, watery eyes which works by stopping the production of histamine a natural substance created in the body during onset of an allergy. Indication may relate to chronic idiopathic urticaria and allergic rhinitis (seasonal). It comes in packs 12 tablets of 60 mg or 70, 45, 30 or 5 tablets of 180 mg. If the patient is considering self treatment all directions for usage needs to be checked or consult the pharmacist in case of any doubts. Administration may also be followed as per the prescription of a doctor. Fexofenadine comes in tablet as well as capsule or liquid form which may be consumed with or without food. It should be kept away from sunlight and moisture.

Contraindication: Important to Know

Before consuming Fexofenadine it is necessary to inform the doctor or a pharmacist if the patient is prone to any type of allergies or if the patient is allergic to Fexofenadine itself, as it has some inactive ingredients causing allergic reactions or other problems. The medical history of a patient also needs to be revealed to a doctor or pharmacist most importantly kidney disease. The medicine should not be taken more than advised, not to be taken at the same time of consuming magnesium or aluminum antacids with at least two hours of gap or avoid drinking fruit juices which lower down the absorption of the medicine. If the patient is pregnant the medicine should only be consumed when the usage is as per doctor's advice. The liquid product may contain sugar as such it is important to inform the doctor before any surgery about all prescription and non-prescription drugs used. Patients suffering from phenylketonuria or diabetes are advised to take extreme care as it limits the usage of the medicine. Breast feeding mothers should always consult a doctor before usage as it passes on to breast milk. The tablets may have aspartame; therefore any condition which does not recommend the consuming of the ingredient should not be proceeded with. It should be kept out of reach of children and on the patient having any kind of allergic symptoms medical advice should be taken immediately. If the condition gets worse or does not improve consulting a health professional is advised.

Instructions on taking

Normally the medicine is taken twice a day with twelve hours of gaps before each intake, if the liquid form of the product is used the bottle should shaken well and the dosage should correctly measure by a proper measuring device or spoon. A household spoon may not give the correct dosage. The liquid or capsule form can be taken with or without food while the quick dissolving tablets can be consumed on an empty stomach, which should allowed to dissolve in the tongue after which it should be ingested with or without water. The tablet should only be taken out of the pack when the patient intends to consume the medicine. The dosage is determined according to age, medical condition and how the patient responds to the treatment.

Dosage

For adults and children above twelve years of age one 180 mg tablet along with water once per day, where consumption of more than one tablet in a span of twenty four hours is not advised. For children below twelve years of age the usage of Fexofenadine is recommended at all. Adults aged sixty five years and older need to consult a doctor before any usage, therefore self medication is not advised. Patients who have records of kidney disease also need to consult a doctor, where self treating is not recommended.

The pediatric dosage for allergic rhinitis for six months to two year old patient is limited to 15 mg twice a day, for patients who are two years to eleven years 30 mg is to be taken twice a day and for patients twelve years and above 180 mg is to be taken once per day or 60 mg twice a day. A 30 mg tablet is bioequivalent of a 30 mg oral solution.

The pediatric dosage for Urticaria for six months to two year old patients has to take 15 mg twice a day, for patients aged two years to eleven years 30 mg is to be consumed twice a day and for patients twelve years and above 180 mg is to be taken once per day or 60 mg two times in a day.

For renal dose adjustments in adults the dosage is CrCl 90 ml: 60 mg once per day, for pediatric patients aged six months to less than two years CrCl 90 ml: 15 mg once per day and for two years to eleven years CrCl 90 ml: 30 mg once per day.

If the dosage is missed the medicine should be consumed as soon as the patient recollects it, however if the time for consuming it comes close to the time for consuming Fexofenadine as per the schedule it should be avoided and the normal routine should be followed. Taking the dosage in added quantities is not advised to avoid over dosage. If there is an over dosage emergency or the poison control centre should be informed without delay. Precaution is advised as safety and effectiveness of Fexofenadine has not been known in patients below six years of age for oral suspension, tablets as well as dissolving tablets and for twelve year old patients on gel-coated tabs.

Side Effects

Rare side effects may include tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, warm feeling or swelling, more common being vomiting and rarely occurring back pain, body aches or pain, coughing, dizziness, nasal congestion, viral infection.

Interaction with Other Drugs

There are in total eighty eight drugs comprising of 305 brands as well as generic drugs which interact with Fexofenadine. Out of which sixty four are moderate drugs while sixteen are minor drug interactions. A change in diet can be expected as directed by the doctor as it interacts with grapefruit excepting citrus fruits. Radioactive Iodide/agents effect iodide interactions.