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Questions and Answers
What is the therapeutic class of fexofenadine (Allegra)?
What is the therapeutic class of fexofenadine (Allegra)?
- Sedating antihistamine
- 1st generation antihistamine
- Nonsedating antihistamine (correct)
- H1-receptor agonist
What is the pharmacologic class of fexofenadine (Allegra)?
What is the pharmacologic class of fexofenadine (Allegra)?
- Both A and C (correct)
- 2nd generation antihistamine
- CNS depressant
- H1-receptor antagonist
What are the actions and uses of fexofenadine (Allegra)?
What are the actions and uses of fexofenadine (Allegra)?
Competes with histamine at binding site of H1 receptor, blocking effects on bronchial smooth muscle; inhibits bronchospasms; treats nasal congestion, sneezing, watery/red eyes, and itchy reactions.
What are some nursing implications when administering fexofenadine (Allegra)?
What are some nursing implications when administering fexofenadine (Allegra)?
Fexofenadine can cause ______ as an adverse effect.
Fexofenadine can cause ______ as an adverse effect.
Which of the following are contraindications for fexofenadine (Allegra)?
Which of the following are contraindications for fexofenadine (Allegra)?
Which of the following interactions should be avoided with fexofenadine (Allegra)?
Which of the following interactions should be avoided with fexofenadine (Allegra)?
What patient teaching should be provided for those taking fexofenadine (Allegra)?
What patient teaching should be provided for those taking fexofenadine (Allegra)?
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Study Notes
Therapeutic Class
- Fexofenadine is classified as a nonsedating antihistamine.
Pharmacologic Class
- Functions as an H1-receptor antagonist and is categorized as a 2nd generation antihistamine.
Actions and Uses
- Competes with histamine at H1 receptor sites, mitigating effects on bronchial smooth muscle and reducing edema, flare, and pruritus.
- Inhibits bronchospasms induced by antigens and suppresses histamine release from mast cells.
- Provides relief for nasal congestion, sneezing, and watery/red eyes, as well as itchy nose, palate, or eyes.
- Commonly used for symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria.
Nursing Implications
- Encourage increased fluid intake for efficacy.
- Monitor for any drowsiness in patients.
- Recommend administration with food to enhance absorption.
- Avoid administration within 15 minutes of aluminum or magnesium containing antacids.
- Assess therapeutic effectiveness continuously.
- Classified as pregnancy category C, with use advised under medical direction.
Adverse Effects
- Possible side effects include headache, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, dyspepsia, throat irritation, constipation, and dry mouth.
Contraindications
- Not recommended for patients with GI obstruction, bladder neck obstruction, prostate hypertrophy, asthma, or severe CNS depression and coma.
- Use is contraindicated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Drug-Drug Interactions
- Caution advised when used concurrently with MAOIs, alcohol, and other CNS depressants, as interactions may exacerbate effects.
Herbal/Food Interactions
- St. John’s wort may lower serum levels of fexofenadine.
- Grapefruit juice and apple juice can diminish the drug's efficacy.
Patient Teaching
- Advise against mixing fexofenadine with alcohol or other sedative medications to avoid increased sedation.
- Instruct on methods to alleviate dry mouth, such as chewing sugarless gum, drinking water, and avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes.
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