Afexa 180 mg

Indication:

Afexa 180 mg is indicated for the treatment of-

• Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Relief of symptoms such as sneezing, rhinorrhea (runny nose), itchy nose/palate/throat, and itchy/watery/red eyes.
• Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: Treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations like itching and wheals (hives).
• Allergic Skin Conditions: Relief of itching associated with various dermatological allergies.

Dogase & Adminstration:

Adults and Children (>12 years):

• Allergic Rhinitis: 120 mg once daily.
• Chronic Urticaria: 180 mg once daily.

Children (Oral – Based on BNFC):

• 6 months to 2 years: 15 mg twice daily (usually as suspension).
• 2 to 11 years: 30 mg twice daily.
• 12 years and older: Adult dose (120 mg or 180 mg daily).

Administration: Tablets should be swallowed whole with water. It is recommended to take it before a meal. Avoid taking with fruit juices (like apple, orange, or grapefruit) as they can decrease the absorption of the drug.

”রেজিস্ট্রার চিকিৎসকের পরামর্শ অনুযায়ী ঔষধ সেবন করুন”

Pharmacology:

• Mechanism of Action: Fexofenadine is a pharmacologically active metabolite of terfenadine. It works as a selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonist. By competing with free histamine for binding at H1-receptors in the GI tract, large blood vessels, and bronchial smooth muscle, it prevents the histamine-induced effects such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and urticaria.
• Pharmacodynamics: Unlike first-generation antihistamines, Fexofenadine does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, it does not cause significant central nervous system depression or sedation. It has no significant anticholinergic or alpha-adrenergic receptor-blocking effects.
• Pharmacokinetics: It is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached in 1–3 hours. It is about 60–70% bound to plasma proteins. It undergoes negligible metabolism (about 5%) and is primarily excreted unchanged in the feces (80%) and urine (11%).

Side Effects:

• Common: Headache, drowsiness (rare compared to others), dizziness, and nausea.
• Others: Dry mouth, fatigue, and hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., angioedema, chest tightness, dyspnea).

Drug Interaction:

• Antacids: Antacids containing aluminum and magnesium hydroxide reduce the absorption of fexofenadine. It is advised to leave a gap of 2 hours between them.
• Fruit Juices: Grapefruit, orange, and apple juices may reduce the bioavailability of fexofenadine.
• Erythromycin/Ketoconazole: May increase the level of fexofenadine in the blood, though no significant clinical adverse effects are usually noted.

Pregnancy & Lactation:

• Pregnancy: There are no adequate data. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the risk to the fetus.
• Lactation: It is not known if it is excreted in human milk; however, caution is advised when administered to a nursing woman.

Over Dosage:

Symptoms may include dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Management involves standard supportive measures to remove unabsorbed drug.

Therapeutic Class:

Non-sedating Antihistamine.

Storage Conditions:

Store below at 30°C  temperature in a dry place. Away from light and out of reach of children. Do not use the medication after its expiration date.