WELFEX 120
Fexofenadine hydrochloride (Allegra) is an antihistamine drug used in the treatment of hay fever and similar allergy symptoms. It was developed as a successor of an 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.
- Categories : Anti-Allergic
- Share Now :
Generic Name: Fexofenadine HCl
Therapeutic Category: Respiratory Agent
Pharmacological Class: Antihistamine
Composition: Welfex 120
Each film coated tablet contains Fexofenadine HCl USP 120 mg
Welfex 180
Each film coated tablet contains Fexofenadine HCl USP 180 mg
Welfex Suspension
Each 5 ml contains Fexofenadine HCl USP 30 mg
Pregnancy Category: C
Presentation: Welfex Tablets
Available in the pack size as 10 tablets X 10 blisters
Welfex Suspension
Available in 60 ml bottle with a measuring cap
Mechanism of Action
Fexofenadine selectively blocks the H1- receptors. This blockage prevents the activation of the H1 receptors by histamine. Prevents the symptoms associated with allergies brought by histamine. Fexofenadine exhibits no anticholinergic, antidopaminergic, alpha1-adrenergic or beta-adrenergic-receptor blocking effects.
Indications
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Chronic idiopathic urticaria
Dosage
Route of administration: Oral
Adults and Children 12 Years and Older: 120 and 180 mg Welfex tablet once daily.
Children 2 to 11 Years: 30 mg (5ml) Welfex Suspension twice daily.
Pediatric 6 months to less than 2 years: 15 mg (2.5 mL) Welfex Suspension twice daily.
Better efficacy if taken in empty stomach.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Bioavailability 33%
Protein binding: Approximately 60-70%
Metabolism: Hepatic
Route of elimination: Feces (80%) and Urine (10%)
Half-life: 14.4 hours
Adverse Effects
Most common side effect demonstrated in adults are:
- Headache
- Some also experienced back and muscle pain, miosis* or pinpoint pupils*, nausea, drowsiness, and menstrual cramps.
- Rare effects are anxiety and insomnia.
The most common side effects in children aged 6-11 years:
- Cough, upper respiratory tract infection, fever, and otitis media
For children aged 6 months to 5 years:
- Fatigue
Contraindications
WELFEX is contraindicated in the following populations and situations:
- Hypersensitivity to histamine or any component of the formulation
Precautions
- People with Bronchial asthma and peptic ulcer disease
Interactions
- Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium should not be taken within 15 minutes of fexofenadine as they reduce the absorption of fexofenadine by almost 50%
- Taking erythromycin or ketoconazole while taking fexofenadine does increase the plasma levels of fexofenadine, but this increase does not influence the QT interval.
- Fexofenadine is not to be taken with apple, orange, or grapefruit juice because it could decrease absorption of the drug and should therefore be taken with water
Terminologies*
Miosis: Excessive constriction of the pupil of the eye
Pinpoint pupils: Pupils that are abnormally small under normal lighting conditions
