Intrafen

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

Introduction

Intrafen 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

Intrafen 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

Intrafen 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?

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

Absorption

Intrafen is quickly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Route of Elimination

Intrafen 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 Intrafen 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

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

Side Effects

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

Toxicity

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

Precautions

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

Interactions

Intrafen 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

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

Drug Interactions

Intrafen 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

Intrafen 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 Intrafen, so it should be avoided.

Pregnancy Use

Intrafen 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

Intrafen 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 Intrafen overdose. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

Contraindication

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

Use Direction

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

Storage Condition

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

Volume of Distribution

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

Half Life

The half-life of Intrafen is approximately 11 hours.

Clearance

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

Here you find in details version of Intrafen

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Intrafen

What is Intrafen?

Intrafen 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 Intrafen if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

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

How should I take Intrafen?

Intrafen 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 Intrafen?

The most common side effects reported with Intrafen 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 Intrafen be taken with other medications?

It is advised to speak to your doctor before taking Intrafen 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 Intrafen?

If you miss a dose of Intrafen, 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 Intrafen?

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

How long does it take for Intrafen to start working?

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

How long does Intrafen stay in your system?

Intrafen 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 Intrafen cause drowsiness?

Yes, Intrafen may cause drowsiness in some people.

Does Intrafen interact with any other drugs?

Intrafen 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 Intrafen.

Can children or teenagers take Intrafen?

Intrafen 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 Intrafen.

Can Intrafen be taken long-term?

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

Can Intrafen cause headaches?

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

Can I take Intrafen with alcohol?

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

What is the recommended dose of Intrafen?

The recommended dose of Intrafen 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 Intrafen cause weight gain?

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

Do I need a prescription for Intrafen?

Yes, Intrafen requires a prescription from your doctor.

Can Intrafen be taken with other allergy medications?

Intrafen 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 Intrafen and Claritin?

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

Are there any foods I should avoid while taking Intrafen?

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

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

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

Does Intrafen cause dry mouth?

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

Can I take Intrafen at night?

Yes, Intrafen 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 Intrafen?

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

Can I take Intrafen if I have high blood pressure?

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

Does Intrafen affect birth control?

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

Is Intrafen bad for the liver?

Intrafen 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 Intrafen make you sleepy?

Yes, Intrafen 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 Intrafen with ibuprofen?

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

What is the maximum dosage of Intrafen?

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

Does Intrafen cause constipation?

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

Is Intrafen safe for long-term use?

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

Can I take Intrafen with loratadine?

It is not advised to take Intrafen 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 Intrafen cause weight loss?

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

Should I take Intrafen on an empty stomach?

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

Can I take Intrafen if I have glaucoma?

Intrafen 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 Intrafen available in generic form?

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

Can I take Intrafen if I am taking other medication?

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

Is Intrafen considered a narcotic?

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

Does Intrafen need to be refrigerated?

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