TELFAST ® is a drug based on Fexofenadine hydrochloride
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Antihistamines for systemic use - H1 antagonist
IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects
Indications TELFAST ® - Fexofenadine
TELFAST ® is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Mechanism of action TELFAST ® - Fexofenadine
Fexofenadine, the active ingredient of TELFAST ®, is an active metabolite of terfenadine and is among the third generation anti H1 antihistamines, therefore characterized by the absence of the sedating and atropine-like action, which guarantee an easier clinical use in the treatment of allergic manifestations.
Taken orally, it is rapidly absorbed by the enteric mucosa, reaching the plasma peak in a few hours and persisting in the circulatory stream, carrying out its therapeutic action for about 4-6 hours, at the end of which, following a modest almost zero hepatic metabolism it is eliminated unchanged, mainly via the bile and partly via the kidney.
The therapeutic action also in this case is due to the ability of Fexofenadine to bind histamine H1 receptors expressed by the smooth muscle cells of the respiratory mucosa with high affinity, thus reducing the bronchospasm induced by histamine and responsible for the breathing difficulties present during allergic rhinitis.
The symptomatology is also attenuated by the anti-edema action exerted by the same active ingredient against perivenular capillaries.
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
VARIOUS DOSAGE OF FEXOPHENADIN AND CLINICAL EFFICACY
J Dermatolog Treat. 2013 Mar 27.
Interesting study that shows how an increase in daily dosages of Fexofenadine could be useful in all those patients who are not responsive to common therapeutic doses for which a maintenance of allergic symptoms is observed.
ESTERS OF FEXOPHENADINE AND PHARMACOKINETIC PROPERTIES
J Pharm Sci. 2012 Sep; 101 (9): 3264-74
Innovative pharmacokinetic study, aimed at improving the pharmacokinetic properties of Fexofenadine, which experiments with the use of drug esters able to be hydrolysed by the intestinal mucosa, then absorbed with different and sometimes faster kinetics.
ORTICARIA DA FEXOFENADINA
Ann Dermatol. 2011 Dec; 23 (Suppl 3): S329-32. doi: 10.5021 / ad.2011.23.S3.S329. Epub 2011 Dec 27.
Interesting case report that demonstrates the onset of urticaria induced by Fexofenadine confirmed by prick-test and oral provocation test. Although rarely it is therefore possible that these active ingredients induce sometimes severe hypersensitivity reactions.
Method of use and dosage
TELFAST ®
Tablets coated with 120 mg of Fexofenadine hydrochloride, equal to 112 mg of Fexofenadine.
The dosages of TELFAST ® to be used in the course of allergic rhinitis should be defined by your doctor based on the physio-pathological characteristics of the patient and the severity of the clinical picture.
Generally in adults, taking one tablet a day, preferably before meals, is sufficient to guarantee prompt remission of the symptoms.
Warning TELFAST ® - Fexofenadine
Taking TELFAST ® should be preceded by a careful medical examination to define the potential risks associated with antihistamine therapy and the possible presence of contraindications to the use of the drug.
Particular caution should in fact be reserved for all patients suffering from hepatic and renal diseases, as well as in elderly subjects, known the pharmacokinetic properties of Fexofenadine.
The same caution should also be maintained for all patients suffering from cardiac and neurological pathologies due to the increased risk of occurrence of even serious side effects.
It is recommended to keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
The absence of studies able to characterize the safety profile of Fexofenadine on the fetus and to the infant, extends the aforementioned contraindications to the use of TELFAST ® also to pregnancy and to the subsequent period of breastfeeding.
Interactions
Although pharmacological interactions such as to induce the onset of clinically relevant adverse reactions are not known at this time, particular caution should be exercised with the simultaneous use of ketoconazole and erythromycin, given the ability of these active ingredients to increase the bioavailability of Fexofenadine.
On the contrary, the concomitant administration of omeprazole could reduce the intestinal absorption of fexofenadine, reducing its therapeutic potential.
Contraindications TELFAST ® - Fexofenadine
The use of TELFAST ® is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to one of its excipients or to other structurally related molecules.
Undesirable effects - Side effects
The use of TELFAST ® could determine with a certain frequency the onset of adverse clinical reactions of little relevance such as nausea, drowsiness and headache.
Dermatologically hypersensitive reactions such as rash, pruritus, urticaria, vasomotor and respiratory symptoms are decidedly more rare.
Note
TELFAST ® is a prescription-only drug.
