| Indication | For management of Seasonal allergic rhinitis |
| Pharmacodynamics | 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. |
| Mechanism of action | Like other H1-blockers, Fexofenadine competes with free histamine for binding at H1-receptors in the GI tract, large blood vessels, and bronchial smooth muscle. This blocks the action of endogenous histamine, which subsequently leads to temporary relief of the negative symptoms (eg. nasal congestion, watery eyes) brought on by histamine. Fexofenadine exhibits no anticholinergic, antidopaminergic, alpha1-adrenergic or beta-adrenergic-receptor blocking effects. |
| Absorption | 33% |
| Volume of distribution | Not Available |
| Protein binding | 60%-70% |
| Metabolism | Approximately 5% of the total dose is metabolized, by cytochrome P450 3A4 and by intestinal microflora. |
| Route of elimination | Not Available |
| Half life | 14.4 hours |
| Clearance | Not Available |
| Toxicity | Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. |
Comments
Post a Comment