Fexofenadine

Fexofenadine, which is marketed under the brand name, Allegra, is used to treat the symptoms of chronic urticaria or seasonal allergic rhinitis which is manifested through watery eyes, runny and stuffy nose, sneezing and itchy throat.

Factors Determining the Dosage of Fexofenadine

The Fexofenadine dosage that the physician prescribes will depend on the following factors:

• age
• the severity of the patient’s allergy symptoms
• medical conditions, if any
• medications that the patient is currently taking

Recommended Dosage of Fexofenadine

The recommended Fexofenadine dosage for adults and children 12 years old and above who exhibit seasonal allergies or chronic hives, is either 60 mg twice a day or 180 mg once a day. However, if you the patient is over 65 years old or suffers from kidney disease, the physician may start the patient with a lower dosage of, say, Fexofenadine 60 mg once a day.

For children whose ages range from 6 to 11 years old, the recommended Fexafenadine dosage is 30 mg twice daily. Children within this age group are recommended to take either the orally disintegrating tablet form of Fexafenadine, which quickly dissolves in the mouth, or oral suspension liquid. Children who suffer from kidney disease are recommended to take a half dose of Fexofenadine 30 mg once a day.

Fexofenadine is also recommended for the treatment of seasonal allergies in toddlers as young as two years old and for chronic hives in children as young as six months old. However, for children this young, it is recommended that Fexofenadine be administered in oral suspension form. Fexofenadine dosage for children two years to five years old is recommended at 30 mg, or one teaspoon twice a day. For children 6 months to 2 years old, the recommended dosage is 15 mg, or half-teaspoon of Fexofenadine oral suspension twice daily. For children two years old and above who are suffering from kidney disease, the recommended dosage is 30 mg daily, while infants six months old to two years of age who have kidney disease may be administered a dosage of 15 mg once a day.

Some Useful Pointers Regarding Fexofenadine Dosage

Fexofenadine that comes in oral suspension or tablet form may be taken with or without food. However, the orally disintegrating tablet form should only be taken on an empty stomach to maximize absorption. When Fexofenadine dosage is administered, the patient should remember not to drink any fruit juices as these could interfere with the way the body handles the medication. The patient should strictly follow the doctor’s prescription, otherwise his / her allergic symptoms are quite likely to return. If the patient forgets to take a dose of Fexofenadine, it is best to take it immediately. But if it is almost time for the patient’s next dose, it is best to skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosage schedule. It is inadvisable to take two or more doses at the same time.