Plan for Progress  

Fexofenadine is typically found in the medications inclusive ofAllegra, Telfast, Fastofen and Tilfur. It is an antihistamine that is implemented in the treatment of hayfever and other allergic reactions. Fexofenadine does not easily traverse the blood-brain barrier, and resultantly will not trigger sleepiness. It is indicated for the general relief of red, itchy, or watery eyes; runny nose; sneezing; itching of the throat or on the roof of the mouth. It may be taken by adults and children above the age of two years old. It may also be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms associated with urticaria which produces hives and red, itchy elevated portions of the skin. It functions by hindering the unpleasant effects of histamine which is essentially a substance that induces allergic reactions within the body.

Fexofenadine is available as a tablet or as a liquid and will be taken orally. It may be swallowed in the case of the tablet with water no more than two times per day. Fexofenadine should not be taken with fruit juices such as orange, grapefruit, or apple juice as the acidic content may interfere with the abilities of the pill. It should be taken at the same time(s) daily. In addition, make sure that you are taking it as prescribed. Have the doctor or pharmacist expound any thing that is not clear in relation to the dosage instructions. It is essential that you take it exactly as it has been prescribed to avoid any unforeseen complications.

It will reduce the symptoms experienced as a result of seasonal allergic rhinitis and urticaria but will not cure either condition. Therefore, you will need to take it even when symptoms are no longer present. Extending the period between doses may cause allergic symptoms to return. Always shake the liquid thoroughly before using it to promote a more consistent mixture.

Tell your doctor of certain pre-existing conditions like kidney disease and pregnancy. Be certain to let your doctor know what medications you are presently taking, if any, to avoid any unexpected reactions. Antacids that contain magnesium or aluminium will need to be taken a few hours before or a few hours after taking the medication.

Dosage

Children between the ages of 2–11 years will be required to take 30 mg twice daily

Children 12 years and older (including adults) will be prescribed 60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once per day.

Patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria who are children between the ages of 6 months to 2 years will need to take 15 mg twice daily.

For the elderly the starting dose will be 60 mg once daily. This amount will be altered based on renal function i.e. possible kidney damage.

The medications will be available in these two forms:

Suspension in the amount 6 mg/mL (30 mL, 300 mL) (raspberry cream)

Tablet in the amount 30 mg, 60 mg, 180 mg

Side effects will include:

Drowsiness/sleepiness

Headache

Nausea

Abnormal bowel movements

Dizziness

Vomiting

Weakness

Fatigue

Diarrhea

In Case of Overdose

Overdose with this drug is rarely occurs, subsequently the effects of possible overdose are not well documented. When tested on laboratory mice none died because of excessive exposure, specifically when given 5000 mg/kg, of the drug. This amount is 110 times the amount recommended for human consumption. The amount used in laboratory tested rats would actually be the equivalent of an individual taking 400 times the recommended dosage. When testing was done on humans with excessive dosages no additional adverse reactions were experienced.

Drug Interactions

If fexofenadine is taken in conjunction with fluoxetine it may cause drowsiness.

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that manifests when the body’s immune system starts to attack its own tissues and organs. The inflammation that results from lupus can affect many different areas all over the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs.

Lupus is far more often observed in women than in men but no clear connection for this observation has been discerned. There are four types of lupus in existence these are: systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus erythematosus and neonatal lupus. Of the types mentioned, systemic lupus erythematosus is by far the most common and serious form of lupus.

The prognosis for people with this disease was very poor in the past however improvements in the diagnosis and treatment methods implemented for lupus has significantly enhanced the probability of surviving with the condition. Once the disease is treated most people with the disease can lead normal lives.

Because it is an autoimmune disease, it not only attacks foreign substances that may enter the body, such as bacteria and viruses, but also induces the immune system to attack healthy tissue. As said before this leads to inflammation and resultant damage to different sections of the body, inclusive of the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels and brain.

It is not yet known what causes the disease, like other autoimmune diseases it remains a mystery. It is theorized that it is the result of a combination of factors, most notably, the patient’s genes and the environment. Some experts also think that a person may inherit a predisposition to lupus, but not the actual disease itself. Instead, people with this probable inherited predisposition for the disease may only develop the condition when they make some form of contact with something in the environment that may trigger lupus, including some types of medication or a virus.

The disease does not necessarily develop in the same way for all individuals who are plagued by the disease . Signs and symptoms may materialize suddenly or develop over time. They may be mild or severe, and may be transient with fluctuating bouts of the associated symptoms or permanent. Most people affected by lupus have a mild form of the disease characterized by episodes which are considered flares when signs and symptoms are worsened for a short period, then improve or even disappear entirely for some time.

The signs and symptoms of lupus that an individual will face will largely depend on the areas of the body that are troubled by the condition. However the more regular signs and symptoms may include any of the following:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Memory loss

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Weight loss or gain

• Fingers and toes that turn white or blue during exposure to cold or during stressful periods. This is called Raynaud’s phenomenon.

• Joint pain, stiffness and swelling

• Butterfly-shaped rash or malar rash on the face that covers sections of the cheeks and the bridge of the nose

• Skin lesions that appear and are actually worsened by sun exposure

• Mouth sores

• Hair loss (alopecia)

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Dry eyes

• Easy bruising

Once a person develops an unexplained rash, ongoing fever, persistent aching or fatigue, he or she should seek medical attention to rule out the possibility that it could be lupus.

Once a person has been diagnosed with lupus, he or she should have regular consultations with a doctor so that the condition can be treated and monitored properly. In addition any new symptoms should be looked on immediately.