fexofenadine

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity.

Use Cautiously in:

Renal impairment (↑ dosing interval recommended);
OB: Use only if potential maternal benefit justifies potential fetal risk;
Lactation: Safety not established in breastfeeding.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

GI: dyspepsia

GU: dysmenorrhea

Neuro: drowsiness, fatigue

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

Magnesium and aluminum-containing antacids↓ absorption and may decrease effectiveness.

Drug-Food:

Apple, orange, and grapefruit juice↓ absorption and may decrease effectiveness.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)

Tablets: 60 mg^OTC; 120 mg^OTC; 180 mg^OTC
Orally disintegrating tablets: 30 mg^OTC
Suspensionberry flavor: 30 mg/5 mL^OTC
In combination with: pseudoephedrine (Allegra-D). See Appendix [not included in this PDA edition].

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults and Children ≥12 yr): 60 mg twice daily, or 180 mg once daily.
PO (Children 2–11 yr): 30 mg twice daily.
PO (Children 6 mo–2 yr): 15 mg twice daily.

Renal Impairment

PO (Adults ): 60 mg once daily as a starting dose.
PO (Children 6–11 yr): 30 mg once daily as a starting dose.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

~~Allegra,~~ Allegra Allergy, Children's Allegra Allergy, ~~Children's Allegra Hives,~~ ~~Mucinex Allergy~~

Action ⬆ ⬇

Antagonizes the effects of histamine at peripheral histamine–1 (H₁) receptors, including pruritus and urticaria.
Also has a drying effect on the nasal mucosa.

Therapeutic effects:

Decreased sneezing, rhinorrhea, itchy eyes, nose, and throat associated with seasonal allergies.
Decreased urticaria.

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: allergy, cold and cough remedies

Pharmacologic Classification: antihistamines

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after oral administration.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: 80% excreted in urine, 11% excreted in feces.

Half-Life: 14.4 hr (↑ in renal impairment).

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(antihistaminic effect)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	within 1 hr	2–3 hr	12–24 hr

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Instruct patient to take medication as directed. Take missed doses as soon as remembered unless almost time for next dose. Do not take more than recommended.
Instruct patient or parents to avoid taking fexofenadine with fruit juices (apple, orange, grapefruit) or antacids containing aluminum or magnesium; may decrease effectiveness of fexofenadine.
Inform patient that fexofenadine may cause drowsiness, although it is less likely to occur than with other antihistamines. Avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to drug is known.
Rep: Advise females of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
Instruct patient to contact health care professional if symptoms persist.

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Indications ⬇

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇