Fexofenadine HCl

A to Z Drug Facts

Fexofenadine HCl

	Action
	Indications
	Contraindications
	Route/Dosage
	Interactions
	Lab Test Interferences
	Adverse Reactions
	Precautions
Patient Care Considerations
	Administration/Storage
	Assessment/Interventions
	Patient/Family Education

(fex-oh-FEN-ah-deen HIGH-droe-KLOR-ide)

Allegra

Class: Antihistamine

Action Competitively antagonizes histamine at the H₁-receptor site.

Indications Symptomatic relief of symptoms (nasal and nonnasal) associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis; treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idopathic urticaria.

Contraindications Standard considerations.

Route/Dosage

Seasonal allergic rhinitis

ADULTS AND CHILDREN ³ 12 YR: PO 60 mg bid or 180 mg qd. CHILDREN 6 to 11 YR: PO 30 mg bid.

Chronic idopathic urticaria

ADULTS AND CHILDREN ³ 12 YR: PO 60 mg bid. CHILDREN 6 to 11 YR: PO 30 mg bid.

Renal function impairment

ADULTS AND CHILDREN ³ 12 YR: PO 60 mg once daily as a starting dose. CHILDREN 6 to 11 YR: PO 30 mg once daily as a starting dose.

Interactions

None well documented.

Lab Test Interferences May prevent or diminish otherwise positive reactions to skin tests.

Adverse Reactions

CNS: Drowsiness; fatigue. GI: Dyspepsia; nausea. GU: Dysmenorrhea. OTHER: Viral infection (eg, cold, flu).

Precautions

Pregnancy: Category C. Lactation: Undetermined. Children: Safety and efficacy not established in children < 12 years of age. Elderly patients: Similar side effects in patients ³ 60 years of age. Renal impairment: Use lower starting dose.

PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS

Administration/Storage

Administer bid without regard to meals.
Store capsules at room temperature (66° to 77°F).
Protect foil-backed blister packs from excessive moisture.

Assessment/Interventions

Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies, especially to antihistamines.
Monitor closely for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity if patient has history of allergic reactions to other antihistamines.
Assess for allergy symptoms (eg, rhinitis, conjunctivitis) before and periodically throughout the therapy.
Monitor pulse and blood pressure periodically throughout therapy.

Patient/Family Education

Advise patient that drug may cause drowsiness and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness until response to medication is known.
Caution patient to avoid exposure to sunlight, and to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing to avoid photosensitivity reaction.
Caution patients to avoid using alcohol or other CNS medications while on therapy.
If patient is to have allergy skin testing, advise patient to avoid taking medication for 4 days before test.