Fexofenadine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What drug Fexofenadine?

What is Fexofenadine for?

Fexofenadine is an antihistamine drug with a function to relieve allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itchy eyes / nose, sneezing, hives. It works by blocking certain natural substances (histamine) in your body that are produced during an allergic reaction.

The fexofenadine dosage and side effects of fexofenadine are detailed below.

How do I use Fexofenadine?

If you are using an over the counter product for self-medication, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, use it as directed, usually 2 times a day (every 12 hours).

If you are using this medication in liquid form, shake the bottle well before use and measure the dose carefully using a measuring device / spoon. Don't use a household spoon as you may not get the correct dose. Use tablets / capsules or the liquid form of this medicine with or without food. If you are using a quick-dissolve tablet, take it on an empty stomach. Allow the quick-dissolving tablet to dissolve on the tongue and then swallow it, with or without water. Do not take the tablets out of the blister pack until they are used.

If you need fluids to take this medicine (such as when using tablets / capsules), take this medication with water. Do not take it with fruit juices (such as apple, grapefruit, or orange) as they can decrease the absorption of this medicine.

Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed.

Do not take antacids containing aluminum and magnesium within 2 hours of taking this medicine. This antacid can reduce fexofenadine absorption.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How is Fexofenadine stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Fexofenadine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Fexofenadine for adults?

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis

60 mg orally twice a day or 180 mg once a day with water.

Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria

60 mg orally twice a day or 180 mg once a day with water.

What is the dosage of Fexofenadine for children?

Usual Children's Dose for Allergic Rhinitis

oral tablet:

6-11 years: 30 mg orally twice a day with water.

12 years or older: 60 mg orally twice daily or 180 mg once daily with water.

Oral tablet, disintegrating

6-11 years: 30 mg orally twice a day.

Oral suspension:

Allergic rhinitis:

2-11 years: 30 mg orally twice a day with water.

Chronic idiopathic urticaria:

6 months to 1 year: 15 mg orally twice a day.

2-11 years: 30 mg orally twice a day.

Usual Children's Dose for Urticaria

oral tablet:

6-11 years: 30 mg orally twice a day with water.

12 years or older: 60 mg orally twice daily or 180 mg once daily with water.

Oral tablet, disintegrating

6-11 years: 30 mg orally twice a day.

Oral suspension:

Allergic rhinitis:

2-11 years: 30 mg orally twice a day with water

Chronic idiopathic urticaria:

6 months to 1 year: 15 mg orally twice a day

2-11 years: 30 mg orally twice a day.

In what dosage is Fexofenadine available?

• Suspension, Oral, as hydrochloride: 30 mg / 5 mL (120 mL)
• Tablets, Oral, as hydrochloride: 30 mg, 60 mg, 180 mg
• Dispersed tablet, Oral, as hydrochloride: 30 mg

Fexofenadine side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Fexofenadine?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: nausea, vomiting, sweating, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or feel like you might pass out.

Stop using Fexfenadine and call your doctor if you have any of the side effects such as fever, chills, body aches, cough, or other flu symptoms.

Less serious side effects may include:

• Nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain
• Menstrual cramps
• Drowsiness, tired feeling
• Headache
• Muscle pain or back pain

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Fexofenadine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Fexofenadine?

Before using Fexfenadine,

• • Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to fexofenadine, any other medication, or any of the ingredients in fexofenadine tablets or suspension. Ask your pharmacist for a list of ingredients
  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist about the prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you use. Be sure to name one of the following: erythromycin (EES, E-Mycin, Erythromycin) and ketoconazole (Nizoral). Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medication or monitor you carefully for side effects
  • If you are taking an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium (Maalox, Mylanta, others), take the antacid a few hours before or after fexofenadine.
  • Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking fexofenadine, call your doctor.

Is Fexofenadine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Breastfeeding

Studies in women show that this drug poses minimal risk to the baby when used during breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions of Fexofenadine

What medicines may interact with Fexofenadine?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

When you are using this medicine it is important that your doctor knows that you are taking any of the medicines that are listed below. The following interactions were chosen because they are based on their potential significance and are not necessarily all inclusive.

Using this medication with any of the following medicines is not usually recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both drugs are prescribed together your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both drugs.

• Eliglustat
• Lomitapide
• Nilotinib
• Simeprevir
• Tocophersolan

Using this medication with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both drugs.

• Aluminum Carbonate, Basic
• Aluminum Hydroxide
• Aluminum Phosphate
• Dihydroxyaluminum Aminoacetate
• Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate
• Magaldrate
• Magnesium Carbonate
• Magnesium Hydroxide
• Magnesium Oxide
• Magnesium Trisilicate
• St. John's Wort

Can food or alcohol interact with Fexofenadine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

Using this medication with any of the following ingredients may cause an increased risk of certain side effects but may in some cases unavoidable. When used together, your doctor may change your dose or how often you use this medication, or give specific instructions about use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

• Apple juice
• Grapefruit juice
• Orange juice

What health conditions may interact with Fexofenadine?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Kidney disease - Use with caution. The effect can be increased due to the slow elimination of the drug from the body
• Phenylketonuria - Use with caution. The oral disintegrating tablet contains phenylalanine

Fexofenadine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Overdose symptoms may include:

• Dizzy
• Sleepy
• Dry mouth, stools contain red blood
• Vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.