Fexofenadine Hydrochloride

Indications

Fexofenadine Hydrochloride is used for: Seasonal Allergic rhinitis, Hay fever, Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria, Allergy

Adult Dose

Adults: Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis/Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria 60 mg twice daily or 120 mg once daily or 180 mg once daily with water

Child Dose

Children: Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis <2 years: Use not recommended 2-12 years: 30 mg PO BID or 5 ml twice daily >12 years: 60 mg PO BID OR 180 mg PO qDay ODT 6-12 years: 30 mg PO BID Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria <6 months: Use not recommended 6 months-2 years: 15 mg PO BID or 2.5 ml twice daily 2-12 years: 30 mg PO BID >12 years: 60 mg PO BID OR 180 mg PO qDay ODT 6-12 years: 30 mg PO BID

Renal Dose

Renal impairment (CrCl <80 mL/min): 60 mg PO qDay initially

Administration

Should be taken on an empty stomach. Take before meals. Take with water. Do not take w/ fruit juice. ODT: Allow to disintegrate on tongue, followed by swallowing with or without water;

Contra Indications

Hypersensitivity.

Precautions

Renal impairment. Pregnancy, lactation; children <6 yr. Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution (AAP states “compatible with nursing”)

Pregnancy-Lactation

Pregnancy category: C Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution (AAP states “compatible with nursing”)

Interactions

Co-admin with ketoconazole or erythromycin may increase plasma levels of fexofenadine. May increase adverse effects of other anticholinergics and CNS depressants. May increase arrhythmogenic effect of antipsychotic agents (phenothiazines); avoid concurrent usage. May reduce the efficacy of betahistine. Pramlintide may increase the anticholinergic effect of fexofenadine. Bioavailability may be increased by verapamil. Efficacy may be reduced by rifampin.

Side Effects

Side effects of Fexofenadine Hydrochloride : >10% Vomiting (6-12%) 1-10% Headache (5-10%), Cough (4%), Diarrhea (3-4%), URTI (3%), Back pain (2-3%), Pyrexia (2%), Dysmenorrhea (2%), Dizziness (2%), Stomach discomfort (2%), Pain in extremity (2%), Somnolence (1-3%), Rhinorrhea (1-2%)

Mode of Action

Fexofenadine, an active metabolite of terfenadine, is a competitive peripheral histamine H1-receptor antagonist on effector cells in the GI tract, blood vessels and respiratory tract.