Alerfast

Alerfast Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Alerfast is a brand name. Its generic name is Fexofenadine.

Introduction

Alerfast is an antihistamine used to treat seasonal allergies, skin allergies or hives. It is available both as a prescription and an over-the-counter medication.

Uses

Alerfast is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, red/watery eyes, itching of the nose, throat, or eyes, hives and skin itching. It is also used to treat skin itching and hives caused by a condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Mechanism of Action

Alerfast is an antihistamine, which works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Histamine is released by the body during an allergic reaction.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Alerfast starts to work within one hour and reaches peak effect in about four hours. The effects of Alerfast can last up to 24 hours.

Absorption

Alerfast is quickly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Route of Elimination

Alerfast is metabolized in the liver and is mainly eliminated in the feces, with only a small amount (less than 10%) of the drug being excreted through urine.

Dosage

The recommended dose of Alerfast for adults and children 6 years of age and older is 60mg twice daily or 180mg once daily. For children younger than 6 years of age, the recommended dose is 30mg twice daily.

Administration

Alerfast can be taken with or without food. It can be taken orally, with water or other liquids. It is important to take Alerfast exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Side Effects

The most common side effects reported with Alerfast include drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, and headache. More serious side effects are rare.

Toxicity

No fatalities have been reported with Alerfast overdose. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

Precautions

Alerfast should be used with caution in people with liver or kidney disease, as well as in people who are taking other medications.

Interactions

Alerfast may interact with other medications, such as antibiotics, hypertension drugs, antidepressants, and antifungals. Patients should tell their doctor all medications and supplements they are taking to avoid interactions.

Disease Interactions

Alerfast may worsen symptoms in people with kidney or liver disease, or schizophrenia.

Drug Interactions

Alerfast may interact with certain medications such as antibiotics, hypertension medications, antidepressants, antifungals, and antacids. Patients should tell their doctor all medications and supplements they are taking to avoid interactions.

Food Interactions

Alerfast should be taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Grapefruit or grapefruit juice may affect the absorption of Alerfast, so it should be avoided.

Pregnancy Use

Alerfast has not been studied in pregnant women. Therefore, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Lactation Use

Alerfast has not been studied in nursing mothers. Therefore, it is not recommended for use while breastfeeding unless the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Acute Overdose

No fatalities have been reported with Alerfast overdose. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

Contraindication

Alerfast should not be used by people who are hypersensitive to the drug or its ingredients.

Use Direction

Alerfast should be taken as directed by your doctor, typically once or twice daily with or without food. If you miss a dose of Alerfast, take it as soon as you remember.

Storage Condition

Alerfast should be stored at room temperature, away from direct light and moisture.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of Alerfast is approximately 8.4L/kg.

Half Life

The half-life of Alerfast is approximately 11 hours.

Clearance

The clearance rate of Alerfast is approximately 29.9 mL/min/kg.

Here you find in details version of Alerfast

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Alerfast

What is Alerfast?

Alerfast is an antihistamine that is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies, including sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes.

Can I take Alerfast if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Alerfast is not advised to be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is advised to speak to your health care provider before taking Alerfast or any other medication.

How should I take Alerfast?

Alerfast should be taken as directed by your doctor. It is advised to take it with a full glass of water. Do not take more or less than the prescribed dosage.

What are the possible side effects of Alerfast?

The most common side effects reported with Alerfast are headache, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, and constipation. Contact your doctor immediately if these side effects are severe or don’t go away.

Can Alerfast be taken with other medications?

It is advised to speak to your doctor before taking Alerfast with any other medications, as it may interact with some medicines and cause unwanted side effects.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Alerfast?

If you miss a dose of Alerfast, it should be taken as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as normal.

What should I do if I overdose on Alerfast?

If you think you may have overdosed on Alerfast, contact your doctor or local poison control center immediately for medical advice.

How long does it take for Alerfast to start working?

Alerfast usually starts to work within 1-2 hours after taking it.

How long does Alerfast stay in your system?

Alerfast generally has an elimination half-life of 10-14 hours, meaning that it should take about 10-14 hours for it to be completely eliminated from your system.

Does Alerfast cause drowsiness?

Yes, Alerfast may cause drowsiness in some people.

Does Alerfast interact with any other drugs?

Alerfast may interact with other drugs, including certain antibiotics, antifungals, and antacids. It is advised to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medications along with Alerfast.

Can children or teenagers take Alerfast?

Alerfast is not recommended for children under the age of 12. If your child is 12 or older, please talk to your doctor before giving them Alerfast.

Can Alerfast be taken long-term?

Alerfast is not intended to be taken for longer than 3 weeks. If you have any questions about taking Alerfast long-term, please speak to your doctor.

Can Alerfast cause headaches?

Yes, Alerfast may cause headaches in some people. If your headaches become severe or don't go away, contact your doctor.

Can I take Alerfast with alcohol?

It is not advised to take Alerfast with alcohol. The combination of the two may increase the risk of side effects.

What is the recommended dose of Alerfast?

The recommended dose of Alerfast for adults and children 12 years and older is 60 mg once daily. Your doctor may prescribe different dosages depending on your individual needs.

Can Alerfast cause weight gain?

It is rare for Alerfast to cause any type of weight gain. However, if you experience any changes in your weight while taking Alerfast, contact your doctor.

Do I need a prescription for Alerfast?

Yes, Alerfast requires a prescription from your doctor.

Can Alerfast be taken with other allergy medications?

Alerfast can be taken with other allergy medications, but it is advised to speak to your doctor to make sure the medication combination is safe for you.

What is the difference between Alerfast and Claritin?

Both Alerfast and Claritin contain the same active ingredient, Alerfast. The difference is that Claritin is available over-the-counter, while Alerfast requires a prescription.

Are there any foods I should avoid while taking Alerfast?

It is not necessary to avoid any particular food while taking Alerfast. However, it is best to check with your doctor if you are unsure.

Does Alerfast have any drug interactions I should be aware of?

Alerfast may interact with certain medications. It is advised to speak to your doctor about any other medicines you are taking before taking Alerfast.

Does Alerfast cause dry mouth?

Yes, Alerfast may cause dry mouth in some cases. If you experience any other serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Can I take Alerfast at night?

Yes, Alerfast can be taken at night. However, as it can cause drowsiness, it is best to take it in the morning or early afternoon.

Are there any other antihistamines I can take instead of Alerfast?

Yes, there are other antihistamines that can be used for seasonal allergies. Speak to your doctor to discuss the options.

Can I take Alerfast if I have high blood pressure?

Yes, Alerfast can be taken if you have high blood pressure, however it is advised to speak to your doctor before taking any medication.

Does Alerfast affect birth control?

Alerfast has no known effect on birth control, however it is always best to speak to your doctor before taking any medications.

Is Alerfast bad for the liver?

Alerfast generally does not cause any liver damage, but it is always best to speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about liver health.

Does Alerfast make you sleepy?

Yes, Alerfast may make some people feel sleepy. If this is the case, it is best to take it in the morning or early afternoon.

Can I take Alerfast with ibuprofen?

It is not advised to take Alerfast with ibuprofen, as this could increase the risk of side effects. Speak to your doctor if you need to take ibuprofen and Alerfast together.

What is the maximum dosage of Alerfast?

The maximum daily dose of Alerfast is 180 mg. Do not take more than this without speaking to your doctor first.

Does Alerfast cause constipation?

Yes, Alerfast may cause constipation in some cases. If constipation becomes severe or does not go away, contact your doctor.

Is Alerfast safe for long-term use?

Alerfast is not intended to be used for longer than 3 weeks. If you have any questions about taking Alerfast long-term, please speak to your doctor.

Can I take Alerfast with loratadine?

It is not advised to take Alerfast and loratadine together, as this combination could increase the risk of side effects. It is always best to speak to your doctor before taking any medications.

Does Alerfast cause weight loss?

No, Alerfast does not usually cause any weight loss. If you experience any changes in your weight while taking Alerfast, contact your doctor for further advice.

Should I take Alerfast on an empty stomach?

No, Alerfast should be taken with a full glass of water. It is not advised to take it on an empty stomach.

Can I take Alerfast if I have glaucoma?

Alerfast can usually be taken if you have glaucoma. However, it is always best to speak to your doctor before taking any medication if you have a pre-existing condition.

Is Alerfast available in generic form?

Yes, Alerfast is available in generic form and can be found in most drug stores.

Can I take Alerfast if I am taking other medication?

It is advised to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Alerfast with other medications, as some medications may interact and cause adverse side effects.

Is Alerfast considered a narcotic?

No, Alerfast is not considered a narcotic. It is an antihistamine that is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Does Alerfast need to be refrigerated?

No, Alerfast does not need to be refrigerated. It should be stored at room temperature in a cool, dark, and dry place.