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Fexofenadine

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Fexofenadine, Allegra

  • See Also
  1. Second Generation Antihistamine
  2. Antihistamine
  3. Allergic Rhinitis
  • Indications
  1. Allergic Rhinitis
  • Contraindications
  1. Severe liver or renal Impairment
  • Mechanism
  1. Second Generation Antihistamine
    1. Low sedation (compared with Cetirizine) and high potency (compared with Loratadine)
    2. Least sedating of the Non-Sedating Antihistamines (even at higher doses)
    3. FDA approved for age 6 years and older
  • Dosing
  1. FDA approved for age 6 years and older
  2. Available OTC
    1. Tablets 30, 60 and 180 mg
    2. Dissolving Tablets 30 mg
    3. Suspension 30 mg/5ml
  3. Adult Dose (ages 12 and over): 60 mg orally twice daily or 180 mg orally daily
  4. Child Dose (ages 6-11 years): 30 mg orally twice daily
  • Safety
  1. Contraindicated in Lactation
  2. Pregnancy Category C
    1. However, Appears as safe in pregnancy as Category B Non-Sedating Antihistamines (Cetirizine, Loratadine)
      1. Andersson (2020) JAMA Pediatr 174(8): e201316 [PubMed]
  • Adverse Effects
  1. See Antihistamine
  2. Drowsiness
    1. Although labeled as non-sedating, these Antihistamines may still cause sedation (esp. Cetirizine)
    2. Sedation may be least likely with Loratadine (Claritin) at lower doses, and Fexofenadine (Allegra) at any dose
  • Drug Interactions
  1. Absorption decreased by orange juice, Grapefruit juice, apple juice (separate by at least 4 hours)
  • References
  1. Howarth (1999) J Allergy Clin Immunol 104:927 [PubMed]
  2. Walsh (2001) Drugs 61:207 [PubMed]
  3. (2001) Med Lett Drugs Ther 43(1103):35