Fexofenadine

H1 Antihistamine (2nd Gen)·Allergy & Anaphylaxis

Seasonal allergic rhinitis, chronic idiopathic urticaria

PBSANTIHISTAMINETelfast60 mg tabletS2+1

Max Dose

180 mg/day

Half-life

14 h

Sedation

NONE

Juice

AVOID

Rapid Summary

Overview

Potent, purely non-sedating second-generation antihistamine. The active metabolite of terfenadine. Highly effective but has a unique interaction with fruit juices.

Maximum Dose

Max 180 mg/day.

Clinical Focus

Must be taken with water. Apple, orange, or grapefruit juice completely blocks its absorption.

Bottom Line

Fexofenadine is the truly non-sedating antihistamine of choice when alertness is critical, but must not be taken with fruit juice as it significantly reduces absorption.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

Telfast

Oral Routes

Tablets (60 mg, 120 mg, 180 mg).

Prescribing & PBS

Pharmacy Medicine (S2).

Indications & Use

Primary

PBSTGA

Seasonal allergic rhinitis, chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Clinical Place

Excellent non-sedating alternative for severe hives (180 mg dose is highly potent).

Quick reference

Class & Role

H1 Antihistamine (2nd Gen) — Potent, purely non-sedating second-generation antihistamine.

Route / Formulation

Tablets (60 mg, 120 mg, 180 mg). (Telfast)

Usual Dose & Max

PO 120 mg OD. Max 180 mg/day.

Key Indication Doses

Allergic Rhinitis: PO 120 mg OD. Urticaria: PO 180 mg OD.

Best Uses

Fexofenadine is the truly non-sedating antihistamine of choice when alertness is critical, but must not be taken with fruit juice as it significantly reduces absorption.

Avoid / Cautions

Pregnancy Category B2.

Key Risks

Neurological: Headache, dizziness. Completely devoid of sedative effects. Gastrointestinal: Nausea.

Key Interactions

Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides (OATP) in the gut absorb Fexofenadine. Fruit juices (orange, apple, grapefruit) profoundly inhibit OATP, blocking absorption by up to 70%. Drug will fail. Antacids (Aluminium/Magnesium) bind the drug in the gut. Separate by 2 hours.

Monitoring

Ensure patient education regarding co-administration with water only. No specific routine laboratory tests required.

Clinical Pearl

Many patients take their morning medications with a glass of orange juice. Fexofenadine will not work if they do this. Counsel strictly to take with water.

Access

Telfast60 mg tablet

Brand: Telfast
Formulation: Tablets (60 mg, 120 mg, 180 mg)

Fexofenadine

H1 Antihistamine (2nd Gen)·Allergy & Anaphylaxis

Seasonal allergic rhinitis, chronic idiopathic urticaria

PBSANTIHISTAMINETelfast60 mg tabletS2+1

Max Dose

180 mg/day

Half-life

14 h

Sedation

NONE

Juice

AVOID

Rapid Summary

Overview

Potent, purely non-sedating second-generation antihistamine. The active metabolite of terfenadine. Highly effective but has a unique interaction with fruit juices.

Maximum Dose

Max 180 mg/day.

Clinical Focus

Must be taken with water. Apple, orange, or grapefruit juice completely blocks its absorption.

Bottom Line

Fexofenadine is the truly non-sedating antihistamine of choice when alertness is critical, but must not be taken with fruit juice as it significantly reduces absorption.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

Telfast

Oral Routes

Tablets (60 mg, 120 mg, 180 mg).

Prescribing & PBS

Pharmacy Medicine (S2).

Indications & Use

Primary

PBSTGA

Seasonal allergic rhinitis, chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Clinical Place

Excellent non-sedating alternative for severe hives (180 mg dose is highly potent).

Quick reference

Class & Role

H1 Antihistamine (2nd Gen) — Potent, purely non-sedating second-generation antihistamine.

Route / Formulation

Tablets (60 mg, 120 mg, 180 mg). (Telfast)

Usual Dose & Max

PO 120 mg OD. Max 180 mg/day.

Key Indication Doses

Allergic Rhinitis: PO 120 mg OD. Urticaria: PO 180 mg OD.

Best Uses

Fexofenadine is the truly non-sedating antihistamine of choice when alertness is critical, but must not be taken with fruit juice as it significantly reduces absorption.

Avoid / Cautions

Pregnancy Category B2.

Key Risks

Neurological: Headache, dizziness. Completely devoid of sedative effects. Gastrointestinal: Nausea.

Key Interactions

Monitoring

Ensure patient education regarding co-administration with water only. No specific routine laboratory tests required.

Clinical Pearl

Many patients take their morning medications with a glass of orange juice. Fexofenadine will not work if they do this. Counsel strictly to take with water.

Access

Telfast60 mg tablet

Brand: Telfast
Formulation: Tablets (60 mg, 120 mg, 180 mg)