What is Fexofenadine?
Fexofenadine, an antihistamine, can be utilized for treating allergic symptoms (including hay fever) in adults as well as children.Fexofenadine also helps to treat itching of the skin as well as itching and hives due to a condition known as chronic idiopathic urticaria in children and adults that are 6 or more years old.
Fexofenadine is a selective histamine 1 receptor that resides inside our bodies; however, it is not present in the central nervous system. known as the peripheral receptors for histamine. Because it works on the receptors that it targets, fexofenadine is far less likely to cause somnolence than some of the older antihistamines.
Histamine is a substance that mast cells release when they are exposed to allergens, and it causes numerous allergy-related symptoms, including watery eyes, nasal congestion, or sneezing. Itching is also a common symptom. Fexofenadine is a binder to the histamine receptors and blocks histamine from having an impact on the receptors. This reduces the severity of the symptoms of allergies.
There are a variety of types and varieties of fexofenadine available.Fexofenadine was accepted by the FDA in 1996.
Warnings
Don't take fexofenadine in conjunction with drinking juice from fruits (such as orange, grapefruit, or apple).
Before you Take this Drug
It is best not to take fexofenadine when you're allergic to it.
Talk to a pharmacist or doctor about whether fexofenadine is safe for you to use if you suffer from:
- Kidney disease.
Consult a physician before taking fexofenadine if you are pregnant or nursing.
Adults who are older might be more sensitive to the adverse effects of this drug. If you're 65 or older, talk to an expert before you take Fexofenadine.
This medication may contain phenylalanine. It could cause harm if you suffer from phenylketonuria (PKU).
How to Take Fexofenadine?
Follow the directions on the label or according to the prescription of your physician.
Always adhere to the instructions on the medication label regarding the administration of cold or cough medicine for children.
- Talk to your doctor prior to prescribing fexofenadine to any child under two years old.
- The tablets that disintegrate (melt) aren't intended for use by children older than 6 years.
- The forms of 24-hour and 12-hour fexofenadine do not allow usage in children younger than 12.
Use this medication just by drinking water.
Consume the tablets that are disintegrating with an empty stomach empty.Make sure to shake off your oral suspension (liquid) prior to measuring a dose. Make use of the dosing cup supplied, or you can use a measuring device (not an ordinary spoon).
Fexofenadine tablets for oral disintegration are best removed from the container just prior to when you plan to consume the tablets. The tablet should be placed on your tongue, and you should let the tablet dissolve without chewing. Drink several times while the tablet melts.Contact your physician if symptoms persist or get more severe.
Fexofenadine should be stored in the original container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Make sure that you do not let the medicine become frozen.
What Happens if I Miss the Dose?
Fexofenadine is a medication that can be used in the event of need. If you're following an established dosing regimen, you can skip the missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical assistance in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
Fexofenadine overdose symptoms can include dry mouth, disorientation, or even drowsiness.
What Should be Avoided?
Don't take fexofenadine when drinking the juice of a fruit (such as an orange, apple, or grapefruit). The juices in these could make it more difficult for the body to absorb fexofenadine.
Be sure to avoid taking an antacid for at least 2 hours after taking fexofenadine. Don't take fexofenadine at the same time as anti-inflammatory drugs that contain aluminum or magnesium.
Consult a physician or pharmacist prior to using any other cold or cough medicines that could contain the same substances.
Side effects of Fexofenadine
Get immediate medical attention. If you exhibit indications or warnings of an allergic response, Fexofenadine symptoms include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the tongue, face, lips, or throat.
The drug can cause severe negative side effects. Take fexofenadine off the market and notify your physician right away. If you suffer from:
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, unusual tiredness);
- A new or worsening cough
- Discomfort
- Indications of an ear infection: fever, earache or sensation, hearing loss draining from the ear, or fussiness in children.
The most frequent side effects of the drug fexofenadine could be:
- Headache;
- Back discomfort
- Symptoms of a cold, including a sinus headache, stuffy nose, and sore throat.
It isn't a comprehensive listing of all side effects. There are other possible side effects. Consult your physician for advice regarding the medical consequences. It is possible to report any side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Fexofenadine in combination with other medications that cause you to become drowsy could increase the severity of this. Talk to your doctor prior to using any opioid medications, sleep drugs, muscle relaxers, or medications for an anxiety disorder or seizures.
Consult a physician or pharmacist before taking fexofenadine along with other medicines, particularly:
- Ketoconazole;
- Erythromycin.
The list below isn't complete. Different drugs can affect Fexofenadine as well, including prescription or other over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and natural products. There are many possible interactions between drugs, which are included here.
