Fexofenadine is a new, non-sedative antihistamine. It is the active metabolite of terfenadine, which was withdrawn from the market in some countries. Fexofenadine is a safer alternative with similar efficacy in alleviating the symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis or urticaria.
Background Seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever has a significant impact on a patient's quality of life, especially if their sleep is disturbed. Severe symptoms can lead to lost time from work or school or impaired daily activities. A careful history is the most important part of the clinical assessment. If the symptoms are seasonal, pollen allergy is most likely when symptoms of perennial allergic recommend dust mites, molds or pets. Antihistamines (H1-receptor antagonists) relief (eg, from a runny nose, sneezing, itchy / watery eyes). However, they are ineffective for the relief of nasal congestion, in contrast intranasal corticosteroids are effective in this regard.
The newer anthistamines terfenadine, astemizole, and loratadine have been developed to reduce seen with the older anthistamines the side effects of drowsiness and dry mouth. Therefore, these newer anthistamines be favored if such side effects is a significant problem (ie, attention and motor coordination are required). If drugs are in wide clinical use, rare but serious adverse events are sometimes detected. Terfenadine was withdrawn from the market in some countries because of serious and sometimes fatal heart rhythm disturbances (eg torsades de pointes). This was due to the high plasma levels by coadministration with erythromycin or ketoconazale and, in some patients, liver disease. Terfenadine is contraindicated with other drugs such as HIV protease inhibitors, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, zileutin, sparfloxacin and cisapride. Similar contraindications are noted with astemizole.
Fexofenadine is the active metabolite acid. How fexofenadine does not require metabolic conversion, rare cardiac side effects and other interactions are minimized. Fexofenadine is used for relieving symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis and urticaria in adults and children older than the specified 12th If antihistamines are taken, they should be used regularly and not sporadically.
Clinical Results Placebo-controlled studies in large groups of patients (n = 545 and n = 861) with allergic rhinitis have shown the effectiveness of fexofenadine administered twice daily for 2 weeks at doses of 60 mg once daily doses of 120 or 180 mg.
At the meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology two placebo-controlled studies have been reported that significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life. Patients with moderate to severe rhinitis received fexofenadine than twice daily dose of 60 mg once daily dose or as 18 mg or 120.
When compared with cetirizine in a double-blind study, was once daily fexofenadine 120 or 180 mg is effective in controlling rhinitis. The effectiveness of fexofenadine seems comparable with that of loratadine. Two double-blind studies were presented to show that loratadine 10 mg once daily was working faster than fexofenadine 60 mg twice daily in 836 patients, and that patients who had not responded to a better reaction to loratadine, fexofenadine and loratadine that was less likely fail in the first place.
Fexofenadine is also effective in relieving the symptoms of urticaria. A higher dose of 180 or 240 mg once for 6 weeks significantly total symptom scores (number of wheals or hives and itching) reduced daily. At last year's American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology meeting three studies were presented that. Use of fexofenadine 60 mg twice daily in the treatment of patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria...
Thank you for coming in Alternative Treatment Reviews and read the article about: Medicine for allergic rhinitis , help us to Shared this article. hopefully useful to us all.
