Fexofenadine is an oral, "second generation" antihistamine that is used to treat the signs and symptoms of allergy that are due to histamine. It is similar to the other second generation antihistamines loratadine
Fexofenadine blocks one type of receptor for histamine (the H1 receptor) and thus prevents activation of H1 receptor-containing cells by histamine. Unlike the first generation antihistamines, fexofenadine and other second-generation antihistamines do not readily enter the brain from the blood, and, therefore, they cause less drowsiness.
Fexofenadine is used for the treatment of seasonal allergies and chronic urticaria (hives) in adults and children 6 years of age or older.
The most common side effects of fexofenadine are nausea, vomiting, weakness and sleepiness.
In controlled clinical studies there were no interactions with other drugs that significantly affected the safety or effectiveness of fexofenadine.
For seasonal allergies the recommended dose for adults and children 12 years or older is 60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once daily. Children 6-11 years of age should be given 30 mg twice daily. For chronic urticaria, adults and children 12 years or older should use 60 mg twice daily, and children 6-11 years of age should use 30 mg twice daily. Fexofenadine can be taken with or without food.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
The common cold
The common cold is arguably the most common illness in humans. It is also one of the most common causes of work and school absenteeism, with up to 22 million school days lost each year in the U.S. As the most frequently occurring illness in the world, it is also a leading cause of doctor visits.
What causes the common cold, and how is it spread?
Colds are caused by viral infections. Over 200 different viruses can cause cold symptoms of varying severity. Viruses that cause colds are spread from person to person through tiny droplets of mucus that enter the air from the nasal passages of infected persons and are inhaled by others. Colds can also be spread by touching surfaces that have been contaminated by contact with infected persons and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
While it is impossible to completely prevent the spread of colds, there are steps you can take to reduce your and your family's chances of becoming infected with a virus that causes colds.
1. Wash your hands often.
This is probably the single best measure to prevent transmission of colds. Especially after shopping, going to the gym, or spending time in public places, hand washing is critical. Frequent hand washing can destroy viruses that you have acquired from touching surfaces used by other people. You can also carry a small tube of hand sanitizer or sanitizing hand wipes when visiting public places. Teach your children the importance of hand washing too.
2. Avoid touching your face.
Most importantly, avoid touching the nose, mouth, and eye areas if you are around someone with a cold or have been touching surfaces in a public area.
3. Keep household surfaces clean.
Door knobs, drawer pulls, keyboards, light switches, telephones, remote controls, countertops, and sinks can all harbor viruses for hours after their use by an infected person. Wipe these surfaces frequently with soap and water or a disinfectant solution.
4. Throw tissues away after use
Used tissues are sources of virus that can contaminate any surface where they are left.
5. Control stress & Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Studies have shown that people experiencing emotional stress have weakened immune systems and are more likely to catch a cold than their calmer counterparts.
While there isn't direct evidence to show that eating well or exercising can prevent colds, maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, with adequate sleep, good nutrition, and physical exercise can help ensure that your immune system is in good condition and ready to fight infection if it occurs.
What causes the common cold, and how is it spread?
Colds are caused by viral infections. Over 200 different viruses can cause cold symptoms of varying severity. Viruses that cause colds are spread from person to person through tiny droplets of mucus that enter the air from the nasal passages of infected persons and are inhaled by others. Colds can also be spread by touching surfaces that have been contaminated by contact with infected persons and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
While it is impossible to completely prevent the spread of colds, there are steps you can take to reduce your and your family's chances of becoming infected with a virus that causes colds.
1. Wash your hands often.
This is probably the single best measure to prevent transmission of colds. Especially after shopping, going to the gym, or spending time in public places, hand washing is critical. Frequent hand washing can destroy viruses that you have acquired from touching surfaces used by other people. You can also carry a small tube of hand sanitizer or sanitizing hand wipes when visiting public places. Teach your children the importance of hand washing too.
2. Avoid touching your face.
Most importantly, avoid touching the nose, mouth, and eye areas if you are around someone with a cold or have been touching surfaces in a public area.
3. Keep household surfaces clean.
Door knobs, drawer pulls, keyboards, light switches, telephones, remote controls, countertops, and sinks can all harbor viruses for hours after their use by an infected person. Wipe these surfaces frequently with soap and water or a disinfectant solution.
4. Throw tissues away after use
Used tissues are sources of virus that can contaminate any surface where they are left.
5. Control stress & Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Studies have shown that people experiencing emotional stress have weakened immune systems and are more likely to catch a cold than their calmer counterparts.
While there isn't direct evidence to show that eating well or exercising can prevent colds, maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, with adequate sleep, good nutrition, and physical exercise can help ensure that your immune system is in good condition and ready to fight infection if it occurs.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Desloratadine
Desloratadine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Desloratadine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. It is also used to treat skin hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions.
Before taking desloratadine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver or kidney disease.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Desloratadine may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of desloratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to desloratadine or to loratadine (Claritin).
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:
• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether desloratadine is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Desloratadine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Take this medication as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Desloratadine side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
• fever, flu symptoms;
• seizure (convulsions); or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may include:
• dry mouth, sore throat, cough;
• muscle pain;
• drowsiness, tired feeling;
• nausea, diarrhea; or
• headache;
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Desloratadine Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: 5 mg orally once a day
Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria:
Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: 5 mg orally once a day
Usual Geriatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day.
Maintenance dose: 5 mg orally once a day.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Urticaria:
Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day.
Maintenance dose: 5 mg orally once a day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
>=6m <12m: 1 mg orally once a day
>=1y <6y: 1.25 mg orally once a day
>=6y <11y: 2.5 mg orally once a day
>=12 years of age: 5 mg orally once a day
Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria:
>=6m <12m: 1 mg orally once a day
>=1y <6y: 1.25 mg orally once a day
>=6y <11y: 2.5 mg orally once a day
>=12 years of age: 5 mg orally once a day
What other drugs will affect desloratadine?
There may be other drugs that can affect desloratadine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Desloratadine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. It is also used to treat skin hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions.
Before taking desloratadine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver or kidney disease.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Desloratadine may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of desloratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to desloratadine or to loratadine (Claritin).
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:
• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether desloratadine is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Desloratadine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Take this medication as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Desloratadine side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
• fever, flu symptoms;
• seizure (convulsions); or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may include:
• dry mouth, sore throat, cough;
• muscle pain;
• drowsiness, tired feeling;
• nausea, diarrhea; or
• headache;
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Desloratadine Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: 5 mg orally once a day
Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria:
Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: 5 mg orally once a day
Usual Geriatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day.
Maintenance dose: 5 mg orally once a day.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Urticaria:
Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day.
Maintenance dose: 5 mg orally once a day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
>=6m <12m: 1 mg orally once a day
>=1y <6y: 1.25 mg orally once a day
>=6y <11y: 2.5 mg orally once a day
>=12 years of age: 5 mg orally once a day
Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria:
>=6m <12m: 1 mg orally once a day
>=1y <6y: 1.25 mg orally once a day
>=6y <11y: 2.5 mg orally once a day
>=12 years of age: 5 mg orally once a day
What other drugs will affect desloratadine?
There may be other drugs that can affect desloratadine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Loratadine
Loratadine is a long-acting antihistamine that is used for the treatment of allergy. Histamine is a chemical that causes many signs and symptoms of allergy. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells (mast cells) and attaches to other cells that have receptors for histamine on their surfaces. Histamine stimulates the cells to release chemicals that produce effects that we associate with allergy. Loratadine blocks one type of histamine receptor (the H1 receptor) and thus prevents activation of cells with H1 receptors by histamine. Unlike some antihistamines, loratadine does not enter the brain from the blood and, therefore, does not cause drowsiness when taken at recommended doses. The FDA approved loratadine in April 1993.
Loratadine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking a substance in the body called histamine. This helps to decrease allergy symptoms.
Before using Loratadine :
Some medical conditions may interact with Loratadine . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney or liver problems
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Loratadine . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
• Amiodarone because the risk of severe irregular heartbeat may be increased
Ask your health care provider if Loratadine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, fatigue, dry mouth, thirst, dry nose or hoarseness may occur. These effects should lessen as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: nervousness, rapid or pounding heartbeat, unusual weakness, stomach pain, dizziness, diarrhea, wheezing, increased physical activity. Loratadine does not usually cause drowsiness when used at recommended doses and under normal circumstances. However, be sure of the drug's effects before engaging in activities that require alertness such as driving or using machinery. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Important safety information:
• Taking Loratadine in high doses may cause drowsiness. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.
• Loratadine may interfere with skin allergy tests. If you are scheduled for a skin test, talk to your doctor. You may need to stop taking Loratadine for a few days before the tests.
• Loratadine should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old without checking with the child's doctor; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Loratadine while you are pregnant. Loratadine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Loratadine , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Loratadine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking a substance in the body called histamine. This helps to decrease allergy symptoms.
Before using Loratadine :
Some medical conditions may interact with Loratadine . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney or liver problems
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Loratadine . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
• Amiodarone because the risk of severe irregular heartbeat may be increased
Ask your health care provider if Loratadine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, fatigue, dry mouth, thirst, dry nose or hoarseness may occur. These effects should lessen as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: nervousness, rapid or pounding heartbeat, unusual weakness, stomach pain, dizziness, diarrhea, wheezing, increased physical activity. Loratadine does not usually cause drowsiness when used at recommended doses and under normal circumstances. However, be sure of the drug's effects before engaging in activities that require alertness such as driving or using machinery. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Important safety information:
• Taking Loratadine in high doses may cause drowsiness. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.
• Loratadine may interfere with skin allergy tests. If you are scheduled for a skin test, talk to your doctor. You may need to stop taking Loratadine for a few days before the tests.
• Loratadine should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old without checking with the child's doctor; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Loratadine while you are pregnant. Loratadine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Loratadine , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Cetirizine hydrochloride
Cetirizine hydrochloride is an antihistamine. It is prescribed to treat the sneezing; itchy, runny nose; and itchy, red, watery eyes caused by seasonal allergies such as hay fever. Cetirizine hydrochloride also relieves the symptoms of year-round allergies due to dust, mold, and animal dander. This medication is also used in the treatment of chronic itchy skin and hives.
Take Cetirizine hydrochloride once a day, exactly as prescribed. This medication can be taken with or without food.
Cetirizine hydrochloride may make your mouth dry. Sucking hard candy, chewing a stick of gum, or melting bits of ice in your mouth can provide relief.
• If you miss a dose...
If you are taking Cetirizine hydrochloride on a regular schedule, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
You should avoid drinking alcohol or taking sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, or muscle relaxants while using Cetirizine hydrochloride. They can lead to increased drowsiness and reduced mental alertness. Among the products to avoid are the following:
Antidepressants
Muscle relaxants
Pain-relieving narcotics
Sedatives such as phenobarbital
Sleeping pills
High doses of theophylline
Recommended dosage for Cetirizine hydrochloride
ADULTS AND CHILDREN 12 YEARS AND OLDER
The usual starting dose is 5 or 10 milligrams once a day, depending on the severity of your symptoms. If you have a kidney or liver condition, the doctor will probably prescribe 5 milligrams daily.
CHILDREN 6 TO 11 YEARS
The usual starting dose is 5 or 10 milligrams (1 or 2 teaspoonfuls of syrup) once a day. If your child has a kidney or liver condition, the doctor will probably prescribe the lower dose.
CHILDREN 2 TO 5 YEARS
The usual starting dose is 2.5 milligrams (one-half teaspoonful) once a day. Dosage may be increased to a maximum of 5 milligrams (1 teaspoonful) once daily or 2.5 milligrams (one-half teaspoonful) every 12 hours. If the child has a kidney or liver condition, Cetirizine hydrochloride should not be given.
CHILDREN 6 TO 23 MONTHS
The usual starting dose is 2.5 milligrams (one-half teaspoonful) once a day. In children 12 to 23 months old, the dose can be increased to a maximum of 5 milligrams a day, given as 2.5 milligrams (one-half teaspoonful) every 12 hours.Cetirizine hydrochloride should not be used if your child has kidney or liver problems.
Take Cetirizine hydrochloride once a day, exactly as prescribed. This medication can be taken with or without food.
Cetirizine hydrochloride may make your mouth dry. Sucking hard candy, chewing a stick of gum, or melting bits of ice in your mouth can provide relief.
• If you miss a dose...
If you are taking Cetirizine hydrochloride on a regular schedule, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
You should avoid drinking alcohol or taking sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, or muscle relaxants while using Cetirizine hydrochloride. They can lead to increased drowsiness and reduced mental alertness. Among the products to avoid are the following:
Antidepressants
Muscle relaxants
Pain-relieving narcotics
Sedatives such as phenobarbital
Sleeping pills
High doses of theophylline
Recommended dosage for Cetirizine hydrochloride
ADULTS AND CHILDREN 12 YEARS AND OLDER
The usual starting dose is 5 or 10 milligrams once a day, depending on the severity of your symptoms. If you have a kidney or liver condition, the doctor will probably prescribe 5 milligrams daily.
CHILDREN 6 TO 11 YEARS
The usual starting dose is 5 or 10 milligrams (1 or 2 teaspoonfuls of syrup) once a day. If your child has a kidney or liver condition, the doctor will probably prescribe the lower dose.
CHILDREN 2 TO 5 YEARS
The usual starting dose is 2.5 milligrams (one-half teaspoonful) once a day. Dosage may be increased to a maximum of 5 milligrams (1 teaspoonful) once daily or 2.5 milligrams (one-half teaspoonful) every 12 hours. If the child has a kidney or liver condition, Cetirizine hydrochloride should not be given.
CHILDREN 6 TO 23 MONTHS
The usual starting dose is 2.5 milligrams (one-half teaspoonful) once a day. In children 12 to 23 months old, the dose can be increased to a maximum of 5 milligrams a day, given as 2.5 milligrams (one-half teaspoonful) every 12 hours.Cetirizine hydrochloride should not be used if your child has kidney or liver problems.
