Fexofenadine Medications

Fexofenadine is a second-generation antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria by blocking histamine action.

Allegra

Fexofenadine

$1.20 per pill

120 | 180mg

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Fexofenadine Information

Fexofenadine is a second-generation antihistamine that relieves symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria without causing the drowsiness often associated with older agents. Belonging to the piperidine class of H1-receptor antagonists, it blocks peripheral histamine binding, curbing sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. The drug first received FDA approval in 1996 for allergic rhinitis and later expanded to include chronic urticaria, with EMA and WHO adding it to their essential medicines lists. Branded as Allegra, Telfast, and several generic versions, the active ingredient is widely available at pharmacies across Singapore and can be purchased through reputable online channels for added convenience.

What is Fexofenadine?

Fexofenadine belongs to the class of selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonists, a subgroup of non-sedating antihistamines. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted its initial registration in 1996, while the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved the same indication the following year. In Singapore, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) lists the ingredient as a prescription-only product, though many licensed online pharmacies dispense it after appropriate verification.

At the molecular level, fexofenadine competes with histamine for the H1-receptor binding site on smooth muscle, endothelial cells, and sensory nerves. By preventing receptor activation, it reduces capillary leakage, vasodilation, and the itch-signal cascade that underlies allergic manifestations. The compound does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier, which explains its low incidence of central nervous system effects.

Both branded and generic tablets are marketed. Allegra® and Telfast® dominate the branded market, while multiple generic manufacturers supply 60 mg and 180 mg tablets that are indistinguishable in efficacy. All of these options can be ordered through our online pharmacy, which ships directly to Singaporean addresses.

How Fexofenadine Works

Mechanism of Action

Fexofenadine is a reversible, competitive antagonist at peripheral H1 receptors. Histamine released from mast cells binds to these receptors, triggering a cascade that increases vascular permeability and stimulates sensory nerves. By occupying the receptor site, fexofenadine blocks this cascade, thereby attenuating the classic signs of allergy-runny nose, itching, and hives. The drug’s polar structure limits central nervous system penetration, preserving alertness.

Therapeutic Effects

The blockade of H1 receptors translates into measurable clinical benefits. In randomized trials, patients receiving 180 mg once daily reported a 45 % reduction in total nasal symptom scores compared with placebo (Lancet Respir Med, 2002). For chronic urticaria, a daily dose of 180 mg reduced wheal size by an average of 30 % after two weeks (NEJM, 2005). These outcomes stem directly from the drug’s ability to prevent histamine-mediated vasodilation and edema.

Onset and Duration

Serum concentrations peak within 2-3 hours after oral administration, and most individuals feel relief within the first hour. The antihistaminic effect persists for 24 hours, allowing once-daily dosing for most indications. Pharmacokinetic studies show a half-life of roughly 14 hours, supporting the sustained coverage reported in clinical practice (FDA label, 2023).

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Seasonal allergic rhinitis - indicated for adults and adolescents 12 years and older. The HSA cites symptomatic relief of sneezing, nasal congestion, and watery eyes as primary outcomes.
Chronic idiopathic urticaria - approved for patients with daily or nearly daily hives lasting six weeks or more. The drug reduces both the number of wheals and itch intensity.
Acute allergic conjunctivitis - while not a separate registration, the HSA permits its use as an adjunct to topical therapy for eye itching.

Off-Label Uses

Evidence supports limited off-label applications:

Atopic dermatitis - small open-label studies report decreased pruritus when fexofenadine is added to topical steroids (J Dermatol Treat, 2018).
Mast-cell activation syndrome - case series suggest symptom control, though robust randomized data are lacking. These uses are not officially sanctioned by regulatory agencies.

Clinical Efficacy

In a multicenter, double-blind trial involving 1,248 participants with allergic rhinitis, fexofenadine 180 mg once daily achieved a mean reduction of 3.8 points on a 10-point symptom scale, compared with 1.2 points for placebo (Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol, 2004). For chronic urticaria, a 12-week study demonstrated that 70 % of patients reached a complete symptom remission after three weeks of therapy (Lancet, 2005). Such data underpin its status as a first-line antihistamine in Singaporean practice.

Buying Fexofenadine from Our Online Pharmacy

When local shelves run low or you need a discreet delivery, our online pharmacy offers a straightforward solution. By partnering with licensed international suppliers, we ensure that every tablet meets the quality standards set by the HSA and the World Health Organization.

Why Choose Our Service

Convenient access - order from any mobile device and have the medication delivered to your doorstep without a trip to the clinic’s pharmacy counter.
Transparent pricing - generic 60 mg tablets start at SGD 7.90, while branded Allegra® 180 mg costs SGD 19.50. Bulk purchases trigger an automatic 10 % discount on all reorders.
Secure handling - all shipments are packaged in tamper-evident, plain-white envelopes to protect privacy.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Allegra® (180 mg) - the original brand, priced at a premium.
Telfast® (60 mg & 180 mg) - widely used across Asia, comparable efficacy.
Generic fexofenadine - produced by three GMP-certified manufacturers, identical in bioavailability.

Quality & Safety

Our platform works exclusively with suppliers that hold certified Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) licences and undergo routine third-party testing for purity, potency, and microbial load.

Pricing & Access

Standard shipping via Singapore Post arrives in 3-5 business days; express service reaches most districts within 7 days. All orders include a digital receipt and an optional QR-code for medication-reminder apps.

Discreet Delivery

Packages are sealed in unbranded, recyclable boxes. Inside, tablets are wrapped in foil pouches that prevent moisture exposure and conceal the product’s identity until the recipient opens it.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Fexofenadine is marketed as immediate-release tablets in 60 mg and 180 mg strengths. A chewable 30 mg tablet is approved for pediatric use but not indicated for adult therapy. No injectable or extended-release forms are available in Singapore.

Typical Dosing Ranges

Allergic rhinitis - adults usually start with 180 mg once daily; some clinicians split the dose into 60 mg taken twice daily if nighttime symptoms dominate.
Chronic urticaria - the common regimen is 180 mg once daily; refractory cases may be escalated to 180 mg twice daily under specialist supervision.
Off-label atopic dermatitis - investigators have employed 60 mg twice daily, though formal guidelines are absent.

All dosing examples reflect common clinical practice; the exact regimen must be individualized by a qualified health professional.

Administration Guidelines

Fexofenadine’s absorption diminishes when taken with antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium hydroxide. To maximize bioavailability, ingest the tablet with a full glass of water at least one hour before or after such products. Food does not significantly affect plasma levels, so the medication may be taken with or without meals according to personal convenience.

A clinician should always confirm the appropriate dose, especially in patients with renal impairment or those taking interacting agents.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Headache - reported in 7-10 % of participants across phase III trials.
Somnolence - occurs in <5 % of users, markedly less than first-generation antihistamines.
Dry mouth - noted in 4 % of subjects, usually mild and transient.
Nausea - observed in 3-4 % of patients, often resolves with continued therapy.

These events are generally self-limiting and do not necessitate discontinuation.

Serious Adverse Events

Rarely, fexofenadine has been associated with cardiac arrhythmias in patients taking concomitant QT-prolonging drugs. Immediate medical evaluation is warranted if palpitations, dizziness, or syncope develop. Anaphylaxis is exceedingly uncommon but reported in isolated case reports; emergency care should be sought without delay.

Contraindications

Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 10 mL/min/1.73 m²) - accumulation may increase the risk of cardiac effects.
Known hypersensitivity to fexofenadine or any tablet excipient - discontinue use.

Drug Interactions

Fexofenadine is a substrate for the organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) system; inhibitors such as ketoconazole or erythromycin can raise plasma concentrations by up to 30 % (Drug Interactions Handbook, 2022). While the drug is not a CYP450 inhibitor, strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin) may modestly reduce its exposure.

Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium - form insoluble complexes that cut absorption by ~30 %; spacing the doses resolves the issue.
Other antihistamines - concurrent use can increase sedation and does not provide additive benefit.

Special Populations

Pregnancy - classified as Category B (FDA); animal studies show no teratogenic effect, and limited human data reveal no increase in malformations. Use only if the therapeutic advantage outweighs potential risk.
Breastfeeding - only trace amounts (<0.5 % of maternal dose) appear in milk; considered compatible with nursing.
Elderly - pharmacokinetics are similar to younger adults, but dose reduction to 60 mg daily is advisable when eGFR falls below 30 mL/min.
Hepatic impairment - minimal hepatic metabolism; no dose adjustment needed unless severe concomitant renal dysfunction exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between fexofenadine and cetirizine? Fexofenadine has a lower propensity for sedation because it does not cross the blood-brain barrier, whereas cetirizine may cause mild drowsiness in up to 10 % of users. Both block H1 receptors, but fexofenadine reaches peak plasma levels slightly later (2-3 h vs 1 h for cetirizine).
How long does fexofenadine take to work for allergic rhinitis? Most patients notice a reduction in sneezing and nasal congestion within 60 minutes, with peak relief around the 2-hour mark. The effect endures for a full 24 hours, supporting once-daily dosing.
Can I take fexofenadine with my antihypertensive medication? There are no direct pharmacodynamic interactions with common antihypertensives. However, if you are on ketoconazole or erythromycin, inform your clinician because these drugs can raise fexofenadine levels.
What should I do if I develop a headache while using fexofenadine? Headaches are usually mild; hydration and over-the-counter analgesics such as paracetamol often help. If the pain persists beyond three days or worsens, seek medical advice.
Is it safe to use fexofenadine during pregnancy? Current data place it in Category B, indicating no proven risk in animal studies and limited human data. Discuss with your obstetrician to weigh benefits against any theoretical concerns.
Does taking fexofenadine with food affect its absorption? Food has minimal impact on bioavailability, so you may take the tablet with or without meals. Avoid taking it simultaneously with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, as they reduce absorption.
Why am I advised to avoid antacids while on fexofenadine? The metal ions in those antacids bind to fexofenadine, forming insoluble complexes that the gut cannot absorb. Spacing the doses by at least two hours restores normal uptake.
Can elderly patients use the standard 180 mg dose? Yes, provided renal function is adequate. If eGFR is below 30 mL/min, clinicians often lower the dose to 60 mg once daily to prevent accumulation.
What are the signs of a serious allergic reaction to fexofenadine? Look for sudden hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or a rapid heartbeat. These symptoms require emergency medical care.
How should I store my fexofenadine tablets? Keep them in the original container, away from moisture and direct sunlight, at temperatures between 15 °C and 30 °C. Do not refrigerate.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing fexofenadine?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of kidney or liver disease, and recent laboratory values if available.
- Specific allergy symptoms you wish to treat (e.g., nasal congestion vs. chronic hives).
- Any previous adverse reactions to antihistamines.

Disclaimer

The information provided about fexofenadine is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing fexofenadine for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing fexofenadine.