Home Drug Guide Fexofenadine Hydrochloride

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Fexofenadine Hydrochloride

Brand Names Allegra, Children's Allegra Allergy, Children's Allegra Hives, Allegra Allergy, Allegra Hives, Children's Fexofenadine Hydrochloride Allergy, Children's Fexofenadine Hydrochloride Hives, Fexofenadine Hydrochloride Allergy, Fexofenadine Hydrochloride Hives

Classification

Therapeutic: Antihistamine for allergy relief

Pharmacological: Second-generation H1 antihistamine

FDA Approved Indications

Relief of seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms (hay fever)
Relief of chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives)

Mechanism of Action

Fexofenadine antagonizes peripheral H1 histamine receptors, reducing allergy symptoms without significant sedative effects.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: 60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once daily

Pediatric: 30 mg twice daily for children 2-11 years; 60 mg twice daily for children 12 years and older

Geriatric: No specific dose adjustment necessary; start with lowest dose if renal impairment present

Renal Impairment: Reduce dose in moderate to severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance ≤ 60 mL/min)

Hepatic Impairment: No specific dose adjustment required

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed, peak plasma levels in 1-3 hours

Distribution: Low volume of distribution; approximately 60% bound to plasma proteins

Metabolism: Limited hepatic metabolism; mainly excreted unchanged

Excretion: Primarily in feces (70%) and urine (20%)

Half Life: 14 hours

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to fexofenadine or other ingredients

Precautions

Use with caution in renal impairment; pregnancy category C; lactation considerations

Adverse Reactions - Common

Headache (Common)
Nausea (Common)
Drowsiness (Less common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

Anaphylaxis (Rare)
Hepatic impairment (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

May decrease absorption with Al or Mg containing products (antacids)

Drug-Food Interactions

Avoid taking with fruit juices (grapefruit, apple, or orange juice) within 1 hour of dose, as they reduce absorption.

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for relief of allergy symptoms and adverse reactions.

Diagnoses:

Impaired skin integrity related to allergic reaction
Risk for side effects related to medication use

Implementation: Administer as directed; educate patient on timing and interactions.

Evaluation: Assess symptom relief and monitor for adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

Take with water; avoid fruit juices around time of dosing.
Report any signs of allergic reactions or side effects.
Do not exceed recommended dose.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

None

Genetic Factors: None specified

Lab Test Interference: No known interference with lab tests

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, nausea

Treatment: Supportive care; activated charcoal if ingestion recent; symptomatic treatment as needed.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, 20-25°C (68-77°F).

Stability: Stable until expiration date.