Brand Name of Fexofenadine
Fexofenadine is marketed under the brand name Allegra in the United States. 1
Key Information About Fexofenadine
Available Formulations
- Fexofenadine is available as tablets, capsules, and oral suspension, all of which are bioequivalent 2
- The FDA approved the oral suspension formulation in 2006 for treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria in children 2
Clinical Context
- Fexofenadine is a second-generation antihistamine that is the active metabolite of terfenadine, which was withdrawn from the market due to cardiac safety concerns 3, 4
- Unlike its parent compound terfenadine, fexofenadine does not block cardiac potassium channels and is not associated with QT prolongation or cardiac adverse events 4
- Fexofenadine has been marketed in the United States since 2000 as a selective, non-sedating H1 receptor antagonist 2
Important Clinical Distinction
- While terfenadine (the parent compound) was associated with torsades de pointes when combined with CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole or erythromycin, fexofenadine itself does not have these cardiac risks 3
- There is only one case report of fexofenadine-related torsades de pointes, which is exceedingly rare compared to terfenadine 3