Drug Groups

approved

Description

Fexofenadine hydrochloride (Allegra) is an antihistamine drug used in the treatment of hayfever and similar allergy symptoms. It was developed as a successor of and alternative to terfenadine. Fexofenadine, like other second and third-generation antihistamines, does not readily pass through the blood-brain barrier, and so causes less drowsiness than first-generation histamine-receptor antagonists.

Indication

For management of Seasonal allergic rhinitis

Pharmacology

Fexofenadine is a second-generation, long lasting H1-receptor antagonist (antihistamine) which has a selective and peripheral H1-antagonist action. Histamine is a chemical that causes many of the signs that are part of allergic reactions, such as the swelling of tissues. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells (mast cells) and attaches to other cells that have receptors for histamine. The attachment of the histamine to the receptors causes the cell to be "activated," releasing other chemicals which produce the effects that we associate with allergy. Fexofenadine blocks one type of receptor for histamine (the H1 receptor) and thus prevents activation of cells by histamine. Unlike most other antihistamines, Fexofenadine does not enter the brain from the blood and, therefore, does not cause drowsiness. Fexofenadine lacks the cardiotoxic potential of terfenadine, since it does not block the potassium channel involved in repolarization of cardiac cells.

Toxicity

Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Approximately 5% of the total dose is metabolized, by cytochrome P450 3A4 and by intestinal microflora.

Absorption

33%

Half Life

14.4 hours

Protein Binding

60%-70%

References

External Links