Elfexo
Generic Name
Fexofenadine Hydrochloride
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
---|---|---|
elfexo 180 mg tablet | ৳ 9.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Elfexo 180 mg Tablet is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. It works by blocking a natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis & Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: 180 mg once daily.
Elderly
No dosage adjustment is required in elderly patients with normal renal function.
Renal_impairment
For patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 80 mL/min), the recommended starting dose is 60 mg once daily.
How to Take
Administer orally with water. It is advisable to take Fexofenadine before a meal, as food may slightly decrease absorption. Do not take with fruit juices (e.g., grapefruit, orange, apple).
Mechanism of Action
Fexofenadine selectively antagonizes peripheral H1-receptors, thereby inhibiting the effects of histamine and alleviating allergy symptoms without causing significant drowsiness.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Within 1 hour.
Excretion
Primarily excreted in feces (approximately 80%) and urine (approximately 11%).
Half life
Approximately 11 to 15 hours.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed after oral administration, peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) are reached in approximately 1-3 hours.
Metabolism
Undergoes negligible hepatic metabolism (less than 5%).
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to fexofenadine hydrochloride or any component of the formulation.
- Children under 6 years of age for seasonal allergic rhinitis or under 6 months for chronic idiopathic urticaria (depending on formulation).
Drug Interactions
Ritonavir/Lopinavir
May increase fexofenadine levels, use with caution.
Erythromycin and Ketoconazole
Co-administration with erythromycin or ketoconazole has been shown to increase plasma levels of fexofenadine. Monitor for increased side effects.
Aluminum and Magnesium Containing Antacids
Concomitant administration of aluminum and magnesium containing antacids (e.g., Maalox) can reduce the bioavailability of fexofenadine. Separate administration by approximately 2 hours.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. In the event of overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment is recommended. Hemodialysis does not effectively remove fexofenadine from blood.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Fexofenadine is excreted in human breast milk; use with caution in nursing mothers.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to fexofenadine hydrochloride or any component of the formulation.
- Children under 6 years of age for seasonal allergic rhinitis or under 6 months for chronic idiopathic urticaria (depending on formulation).
Drug Interactions
Ritonavir/Lopinavir
May increase fexofenadine levels, use with caution.
Erythromycin and Ketoconazole
Co-administration with erythromycin or ketoconazole has been shown to increase plasma levels of fexofenadine. Monitor for increased side effects.
Aluminum and Magnesium Containing Antacids
Concomitant administration of aluminum and magnesium containing antacids (e.g., Maalox) can reduce the bioavailability of fexofenadine. Separate administration by approximately 2 hours.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. In the event of overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment is recommended. Hemodialysis does not effectively remove fexofenadine from blood.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Fexofenadine is excreted in human breast milk; use with caution in nursing mothers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
2-3 years from the date of manufacture, depending on the manufacturer.
Availability
Pharmacies nationwide
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA
Patent Status
Patent expired
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of fexofenadine for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria, showing significant symptom relief with a favorable tolerability profile.
Lab Monitoring
- No routine laboratory monitoring is typically required for fexofenadine therapy.
Doctor Notes
- Counsel patients on the importance of avoiding fruit juices with Fexofenadine.
- Advise renal impaired patients on appropriate dose reduction.
- Reassure patients about its non-sedating nature, but still advise caution for individual variability.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the tablet whole with water; do not crush, chew, or break it.
- Avoid taking fexofenadine with fruit juices (grapefruit, orange, apple) as they can reduce its effectiveness.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all other medications, herbal products, and supplements you are taking.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Fexofenadine is generally non-sedating, but individual responses can vary. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
Lifestyle Advice
- Identify and avoid known allergens that trigger your symptoms.
- Maintain good hydration by drinking plenty of water.
- Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke as it can worsen allergic symptoms.
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