What is the starting dose of Allegra (fexofenadine)?

From the Guidelines

The standard starting dose of Allegra (fexofenadine) for adults is 60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once daily, as indicated in the practice parameter for the diagnosis and management of rhinitis 1.

Key Considerations

• For children 12 years and older, the same adult dose applies, while for children 6-11 years old, the recommended dose is 30 mg twice daily.
• The medication should be taken with water, and patients should be advised that absorption may be decreased if taken with fruit juices or on a full stomach.
• Allegra is an antihistamine that works by blocking histamine receptors, reducing allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose without causing significant drowsiness, as shown in the study 1.

Important Details

• Patients with kidney problems may need dose adjustments, highlighting the importance of considering renal function when prescribing Allegra.
• Allegra typically starts working within 1-3 hours after taking it, and the effects last for about 12-24 hours depending on the formulation, as per the practice parameter 1.
• If symptoms don't improve after a few days of treatment, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider to reassess the treatment plan.

Dosage Forms and Administration

• Allegra is available in various dosage forms, including 30,60, and 180 mg tablets, as well as a 30 mg/5 mL oral suspension, as listed in the study 1.
• The choice of dosage form and administration schedule should be individualized based on patient needs and preferences.

From the FDA Drug Label

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Adults and Children 12 Years and OlderThe recommended dose of Fexofenadine Hydrochloride Tablets is 60 mg twice daily, or 180 mg once daily with water. A dose of 60 mg once daily is recommended as the starting dose in patients with decreased renal function Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria Adults and Children 12 Years and OlderThe recommended dose of Fexofenadine Hydrochloride Tablets is 60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once daily with water. A dose of 60 mg once daily is recommended as the starting dose in patients with decreased renal function Children 6 to 11 YearsThe recommended dose of Fexofenadine Hydrochloride Tablets is 30 mg twice daily with water. A dose of 30 mg once daily is recommended as the starting dose in pediatric patients with decreased renal function

The starting dose of Allegra (fexofenadine) is:

• 60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once daily for adults and children 12 years and older with normal renal function 2
• 60 mg once daily for adults and children 12 years and older with decreased renal function 2
• 30 mg twice daily for children 6 to 11 years with normal renal function 2
• 30 mg once daily for children 6 to 11 years with decreased renal function 2

From the Research

Allegra Starting Dose

• The starting dose of Allegra, also known as fexofenadine, is not explicitly stated in the provided studies.
• However, according to the study 3, fexofenadine at doses used for allergic rhinitis had little effect on seasonal allergic asthma, suggesting that the typical dose for allergic rhinitis may not be sufficient for asthma treatment.
• The study 4 mentions that fexofenadine 120 and 180 mg were used in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to compare the effect of antihistamines on histamine-induced skin reaction and skin blood flow.
• The study 5 provides information on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of desloratadine, fexofenadine, and levocetirizine, but does not specify the starting dose of Allegra.
• The study 6 reviews the efficacy of desloratadine, fexofenadine, and levocetirizine in the treatment of nasal congestion in patients with allergic rhinitis, but does not provide information on the starting dose of Allegra.

Dosage Information

• Fexofenadine is available in various doses, including 120 and 180 mg, as mentioned in the study 4.
• The study 3 mentions that terfenadine was used at doses of 120 or 180 mg twice a day, but this is not directly related to the starting dose of Allegra.
• The study 5 provides information on the pharmacological characteristics of desloratadine, fexofenadine, and levocetirizine, but does not specify the starting dose of Allegra.

Clinical Trials

• The study 4 reports on a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that compared the effect of antihistamines, including fexofenadine, on histamine-induced skin reaction and skin blood flow.
• The study 6 reviews the efficacy of desloratadine, fexofenadine, and levocetirizine in the treatment of nasal congestion in patients with allergic rhinitis, based on 26 clinical trials.