Terfenadine - Seldane Antihistamine Anti-Allergic Drug Risks
Terfenadine is an H, -receptor antagonist with no C.N.S. depressant activity and due to inability to penetrate into C.N.S. across the blood brain barrier and is non-sedating antihistamine with a potent anti-allergic action. Terfenadine is available under brand names like Seldance. Nowadays this is available only under prescriptions and is not widely prescribed by doctors due to advent of other new generation antihistamines with fewer side effects. Usage of terfenadine seldane has risks.
It can be used safely in patients with co-existing glaucoma and prostatic disorders where antihistamines with anti-cholinergic effects are undesirable. Terfenadine is used in the treatment of Allergic rhinitis for relief from-nasal congestion, sneezing, rhinorrhoea and ocular symptoms like redness, lacrimation and itching. Terfenadine is also used in the treatment of Allergic dermatological conditions like urticaria, dermogra-phism, atopic eczema and contact dermatitis. Other medical conditions like Atopic and exercise induced asthma, acute allergic reactions due to drugs, foods, insect bites , Common cold as an adjunct to other agents used for symptomatic relief are also treated with Terfenadine
The typical dosage is 60 mg twice daily or 120 mg once daily. For children in 3-5 yrs Terfenadine is given 15 mg twice daily. For 6-12 yr it is 30-60 mg twice daily. Maximum dosage of 540 mg/day of Terfenadine has been used in the treatment of asthmatic patients.
Contra-indications of Terfenadine include Hypersensitivity to it or any of its ingredients. Special Precautions have to be taken for lower air way disease, Hepatic impairment and Q.T. prolongation. Terfenadine is not advised children below age 3 months. In Pregnancy: Safety not established. Terfenadine is howewer safe during lactation. For elderly dosage adjustment is required.
Side effects of Terfenadine include C.N.S. effects like drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, lack of concentration, G.I. disturbances, Dry mouth/nose/throat, cough sore-throat, epistaxis. Photosensitivity, rash. Terfenadine Drug interactions: It causes Cardiac abnormalities with erythromycin and other antibiotics, additive sedative effect with CNS depressants drugs. Cardiac arrhythmias can occur with concomitant use of ketoconazole and itraconazole.
Tags: Antihistamine, risks, Seldane, Terfenadine