Exfen
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 |
|---|---|---|
| exfen 180 mg tablet | ৳ 8.00 | ৳ 80.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Exfen 180 mg tablet contains Fexofenadine Hydrochloride, a non-sedating antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives). It works by blocking histamine, a natural substance that the body produces during an allergic reaction.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For seasonal allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria: 180 mg once daily.
Elderly
No dosage adjustment generally required unless there is significant renal impairment.
Renal_impairment
For patients with impaired renal function (creatinine clearance < 80 mL/min), including elderly patients, a starting dose of 60 mg once daily is recommended. Consult physician for dose adjustment.
How to Take
Take Exfen 180 mg tablet orally with water. It can be taken with or without food, but avoid taking it with fruit juices (like grapefruit, orange, or apple juice) as they may reduce its absorption. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.
Mechanism of Action
Fexofenadine is a selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonist. It inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells and reduces the effects of histamine on H1-receptors, thereby alleviating allergic symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rash.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Within 1 hour for symptomatic relief.
Excretion
Mainly excreted unchanged in feces (80%) and urine (11-12%).
Half life
Approximately 11-15 hours.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed after oral administration; peak plasma concentrations reached in approximately 1-3 hours.
Metabolism
Minimally metabolized; primarily by hepatic metabolism.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to fexofenadine or any components of the tablet.
- Children under 6 years of age for allergic rhinitis and under 6 months for chronic urticaria.
Drug Interactions
Erythromycin, Ketoconazole
Can increase fexofenadine plasma concentrations. Monitor for increased side effects.
Antacids (containing aluminum and magnesium)
Can decrease the absorption of fexofenadine. Separate administration by at least 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 case of overdose, initiate standard measures to remove any unabsorbed drug. 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 into breast milk; therefore, caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman. Consult your doctor.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to fexofenadine or any components of the tablet.
- Children under 6 years of age for allergic rhinitis and under 6 months for chronic urticaria.
Drug Interactions
Erythromycin, Ketoconazole
Can increase fexofenadine plasma concentrations. Monitor for increased side effects.
Antacids (containing aluminum and magnesium)
Can decrease the absorption of fexofenadine. Separate administration by at least 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 case of overdose, initiate standard measures to remove any unabsorbed drug. 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 into breast milk; therefore, caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman. Consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24 months from the date of manufacture
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Expired
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated Fexofenadine's efficacy and safety in relieving symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria across various patient populations, with a favorable tolerability profile and minimal sedative effects.
Lab Monitoring
- No specific routine laboratory monitoring is required for fexofenadine.
Doctor Notes
- Counsel patients on avoiding fruit juices due to significant interaction.
- Advise caution in patients with renal impairment, consider dose adjustment.
- Emphasize non-sedating nature, but still advise vigilance for individual response.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not take with fruit juices (grapefruit, orange, apple) as they may reduce effectiveness.
- If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
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 performing tasks requiring alertness until they know how the medicine affects them.
Lifestyle Advice
- Avoid exposure to known allergens that trigger your symptoms.
- Maintain a clean home environment to reduce dust mites and pet dander.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
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