Drug Detail:Fexofenadine (Fexofenadine [ fex-oh-fen-a-deen ])
Drug Class: Antihistamines
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis
180 mg orally once a day OR 60 mg orally 2 times a day
- Maximum dose: 180 mg/day
Comment:
- Tablets should be taken with water.
Uses:
- Relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis (e.g., runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, itching of the nose/throat)
- Treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria
Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria
180 mg orally once a day OR 60 mg orally 2 times a day
- Maximum dose: 180 mg/day
Comment:
- Tablets should be taken with water.
Uses:
- Relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis (e.g., runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, itching of the nose/throat)
- Treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis
6 months to 2 years: 15 mg orally 2 times a day
2 years to 11 years: 30 mg orally 2 times a day
12 years and older: 180 mg orally once a day OR 60 mg orally 2 times a day
Comments:
- The oral suspension may be used by patients 6 months and older.
- Tablets and oral dissolving tablets may be used by patients 6 to 11 years of age.
- Gel-coated tablet formulations should be limited to patients 12 years and older.
Uses:
- Relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis (e.g., runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, itching of the nose/throat)
- Treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria
Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria
6 months to 2 years: 15 mg orally 2 times a day
2 years to 11 years: 30 mg orally 2 times a day
12 years and older: 180 mg orally once a day OR 60 mg orally 2 times a day
Comments:
- The oral suspension may be used by patients 6 months and older.
- Tablets and oral dissolving tablets may be used by patients 6 to 11 years of age.
- Gel-coated tablet formulations should be limited to patients 12 years and older.
Uses:
- Relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis (e.g., runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, itching of the nose/throat)
- Treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria
Renal Dose Adjustments
Adult:
- CrCl 90 mL/min or less: 60 mg orally once a day
Pediatric:
6 months to less than 2 years:
- CrCl 90 mL/min or less: 15 mg orally once a day
2 to 11 years:
- CrCl 90 mL/min or less: 30 mg orally once a day
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Precautions
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 6 months (oral suspension), 6 years (tablets, oral dissolving tablets), and 12 years (gel-coated tablets).
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- Oral dissolving tablets (ODTs): ODTs should be used immediately after opening, and should be allowed to dissolve on the tongue without chewing. Patients should take ODTs on an empty stomach. The formulation may be taken with or without water.
- Oral suspension: The suspension should be shaken well before administration, and should be used with enclosed dosing cup.
- Tablets: Tablets should be taken with water; fruit juices should be avoided.
Storage requirements:
- Tablets and ODTs: Protect from light and excessive moisture until ready to use.
General:
- A 30 mg oral solution dose is bioequivalent to a 30 mg tablet.
Patient advice:
- Patients should be told to immediately report any signs/symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common skin conditions? (with photos)
