fexofenadine hydrochloride
Allegra

Available forms
Available by prescription only
Tablets: 30 mg, 60 mg, 180 mg

Indications and dosages
 Seasonal allergic rhinitis. Adults and children age 12 and older: 60 mg P.O. b.i.d. or 180 mg P.O. daily.
Children ages 6 to 11: 30 mg P.O. b.i.d.
 Chronic idiopathic urticaria. Adults and children age 12 and older: 60 mg P.O. b.i.d.
Children ages 6 to 11: 30 mg P.O. b.i.d.
≡ Dosage adjustment. For patients with creatinine clearance less than 80 ml/minute, increase dosage interval to every 24 hours.

Pharmacodynamics
Antihistaminic action: Principal effects of fexofenadine are mediated through selective inhibition of peripheral H₁ receptors.

Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Rapidly absorbed.
Distribution: 60% to 70% bound to plasma protein.
Metabolism: About 5% of drug is metabolized.
Excretion: Mainly excreted in feces; less so in urine. Mean elimination half-life of drug is 14 1/2 hours.

Contraindications and precautions
Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to drug or its components. Use cautiously in patients with impaired renal function.

Interactions
None reported.

Adverse reactions
CNS: fatigue, drowsiness.
GI: nausea, dyspepsia.
GU: dysmenorrhea.
Other: viral infection.

Effects on lab test results
None reported.

Overdose and treatment
Overdose of up to 800 mg doesn’t cause significant adverse reactions.
 Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Fexofenadine isn’t effectively removed by hemodialysis.

Special considerations
• No data exist to indicate a risk of abuse or dependency with fexofenadine.
• Drug may interfere with antigen skin-testing procedures. Discontinue drug 24 to 48 hours before test.
Pregnant patients
• Use drug during pregnancy only when potential benefit outweighs risk to fetus.
Breast-feeding patients
• It isn’t known whether drug appears in breast milk. Use cautiously in breast-feeding women.
Pediatric patients
• Safety and efficacy in children younger than age 6 haven’t been established.

Patient education
• Caution patient not to perform hazardous activities if drug causes drowsiness.
• Instruct patient not to exceed prescribed dosage and to take drug only when needed.

Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE THREATENING.
◆ Canada only
◇ Unlabeled clinical use