fexofenadine hydrochloride

(fecks oh fen' a deen)

Allegra

Pregnancy Category C

Drug class
Antihistamine (nonsedating type)

Therapeutic actions
Competitively blocks the effects of histamine at peripheral H1-receptor sites; has no
anticholinergic (atropine-like) or sedating effects.

Indications
• Symptomatic relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis in
adults and children > 6 yr
• Chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children > 6 yr

Contraindications and cautions

• Contraindicated with allergy to any antihistamines, pregnancy, lactation.
• Use cautiously with hepatic or renal impairment, in geriatric patients.

Available forms
Tablets—30, 60, 180 mg; capsules—60 mg

Dosages
ADULTS AND PATIENTS > 12 YR
• Allergic rhinitis: 60 mg PO bid or 180 mg once/day.
• Chronic idiopathic urticaria: 60 mg PO bid.
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS 6–11 YR
• Allergic rhinitis and chroninc idiopathic urticaria: 30 mg PO bid.
GERIATRIC PATIENTS OR PATIENTS WITH RENAL IMPAIRMENT
For geriatric patients or adults with renal impairment, use 60 mg PO daily. For children
6–11 yr with renal impairment, use 30 mg PO daily.

Pharmacokinetics
Route Onset Peak
Oral Rapid 2.6 hr

Metabolism: Hepatic; T1/2: 14.4 hr

Distribution: Crosses placenta; may enter breast milk
Excretion: Feces and urine

Adverse effects
• CNS: Fatigue, drowsiness
• GI: Nausea, dyspepsia
 • Other: Dysmenorrhea, flulike illness

Interactions
Drug-drug
• Increased levels and possible toxicity with ketoconazole, erythromycin;
fexofenadine dose may need to be decreased
• Decreased effects when taken with antacids.

Nursing considerations
Assessment
• History: Allergy to any antihistamines, renal or hepatic impairment, pregnancy,
lactation
• Physical: Mucous membranes, oropharynx, R, adventitious sounds; skin color,
lesions; orientation, affect; renal and liver function tests

Interventions
• Arrange for use of humidifier if thickening of secretions, nasal dryness become
bothersome; encourage adequate intake of fluids.
• Provide supportive care if flulike symptoms occur.

Teaching points
• Avoid excessive dosage; take only the dosage prescribed.
• Do not take at the same time as antacids.
• These side effects may occur: Dizziness, sedation, drowsiness (use caution if
driving or performing tasks that require alertness); thickening of bronchial
secretions, dryness of nasal mucosa (use of a humidifier may help); menstrual
irregularities; flulike symptoms (medication may be helpful).
• Report difficulty breathing, severe nausea, fever.

Adverse effects in Italic are most common; those in Bold are life-threatening.