Fexofenadine

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.