II. Indications
III. Contraindications
- Severe liver or renal Impairment
IV. Mechanism
-
Second Generation Antihistamine
- Low sedation (compared with Cetirizine) and high potency (compared with Loratadine)
- Least sedating of the Non-Sedating Antihistamines (even at higher doses)
- FDA approved for age 6 years and older
V. Dosing
- FDA approved for age 6 years and older
- Available OTC
- Tablets 30, 60 and 180 mg
- Dissolving Tablets 30 mg
- Suspension 30 mg/5ml
- Adult Dose (ages 12 and over): 60 mg orally twice daily or 180 mg orally daily
- Child Dose (ages 6-11 years): 30 mg orally twice daily
VI. Safety
- Contraindicated in Lactation
- Pregnancy Category C
- However, Appears as safe in pregnancy as Category B Non-Sedating Antihistamines (Cetirizine, Loratadine)
VII. Adverse Effects
- See Antihistamine
- Drowsiness
- Although labeled as non-sedating, these Antihistamines may still cause sedation (esp. Cetirizine)
- Sedation may be least likely with Loratadine (Claritin) at lower doses, and Fexofenadine (Allegra) at any dose
VIII. Drug Interactions
- Absorption decreased by orange juice, Grapefruit juice, apple juice (separate by at least 4 hours)
IX. References
- Howarth (1999) J Allergy Clin Immunol 104:927 [PubMed]
- Walsh (2001) Drugs 61:207 [PubMed]
- (2001) Med Lett Drugs Ther 43(1103):35
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