More precisely, fexofenadine is an orally administered histamine H1 receptor antagonist of the third generation.
Some fexofenadine-based medicines are classified as OTC (over-the-counter medicines), therefore, they can be freely purchased without a prescription; others, on the other hand, in order to be dispensed, require presentation of a repeatable medical prescription (RR). However, since the latter are classified as class A drugs - where provided (pathology exemption) - their cost can be reimbursed by the National Health System (SSN), entirely or partially, depending on the case (it may be necessary to pay a small ticket ).
Examples of Medicines containing Fexofenadine
- Fexallegra®
- Fexofenadine Mylan Generics®
- Fexofenadine Sanofi®
- Fixodin®
- Telfast®
Please note
- Fexofenadine should not be given to children and adolescents less than 12 years of age.
- Fexofenadine is unlikely to adversely affect the ability to drive and use machines. However, before proceeding with these activities, it is advisable to be sure that the drug does not cause unwanted effects such as dizziness, drowsiness or sleepiness.
The antibiotic erythromycin and the antifungal ketoconazole, on the other hand, increase the plasma levels of fexofenadine due to an increase in its gastrointestinal absorption. Therefore, if you are taking ketoconazole or erythromycin, you should inform your doctor before starting fexofenadine therapy.
In any case, before starting to take this active ingredient, the doctor should be informed if the patient is taking, has recently taken or might take any kind of medicines or products - even if not mentioned above - including non-mandatory drugs. prescription (SOP), over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, herbal and phytotherapeutic products, homeopathic products, etc.
, manifesting undesirable effects different in type and intensity, or not manifesting them at all.Treatment with fexofenadine should be stopped immediately and the doctor contacted immediately if severe allergic reactions occur which may manifest themselves as swelling of the face, lips, tongue and / or throat, flushing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
Common side effects
Undesirable effects that can commonly occur during fexofenadine treatment include:
- Nausea;
- Headache;
- Numbness
- Dizziness.
Uncommon side effects
Among the undesirable effects that may occur less commonly during therapy with fexofenadine, however, we find tiredness and drowsiness.
Undesirable effects of unknown frequency
Other possible side effects of fexofenadine therapy, the frequency of which is not known, however, are:
- Insomnia and other sleep disorders;
- Nightmares
- Nervousness;
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat;
- Diarrhea;
- Skin rashes and itching;
- Urticaria;
- Severe allergic reactions (see above).
Fexofenadine overdose
Symptoms such as:
- Dizziness;
- Drowsiness;
- Fatigue;
- Dry mouth.
Treatment is generally supportive and symptomatic, and standard measures to remove unabsorbed fexofenadine from the body should also be considered (hemodialysis is not helpful).
Therefore, in the event of an overdose - ascertained or presumed to be - it is advisable to contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency room, taking care to take the package of the medicine taken with you.
, unlike what happens with the administration of first generation anti-H1. More precisely, it is a pharmacologically active metabolite of terfenadine (second generation anti-H1 no longer used today) which, once taken, hinders the binding of histamine with its H1-type receptors, thus reducing the appearance of typical symptoms allergic manifestations such as seasonal allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria and mediated precisely by histamine activity. seasonal allergic, the recommended dose is one tablet containing 120 mg of fexofenadine per day.
For the treatment of symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria, however, the recommended dose is one tablet containing 180 mg of fexofenadine per day.
The above doses apply to both adult patients and children aged 12 years and over.
In any case, it is good to always follow the doctor's instructions.
Forgetting a Dose of Fexofenadine
If you forget to take a dose of fexofenadine, DO NOT take a double dose to make up for the forgotten dose, but take the next dose at the prescribed time as directed by your doctor.
of toxicity. For these reasons, the use of fexofenadine in pregnant women should be avoided unless the physician deems it absolutely necessary.
It is not known whether fexofenadine is excreted in human milk. However, administration of terfenadine (of which fexofenadine is the active metabolite) to breastfeeding mothers has shown the presence of fexofenadine in breast milk. For this reason, the use of the active ingredient is not recommended in this category of patients.
