Once-daily immediate-release fexofenadine and sustained-release pseudoephedrine combination: a new treatment option for allergic rhinitis.

Author(s): Mansfield LE

Affiliation(s): Texas Tech Regional Health Science Center, El Paso, TX 79902, USA. immunman@pol.net

Publication date & source: 2006-05, Expert Opin Pharmacother., 7(7):941-51.

Publication type: Review

Allergic rhinitis symptoms, in particular nasal congestion, can have a significant impact on patient quality of life, resulting in reduced productivity and daytime sleepiness. Newer-generation antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis; however, in patients with severe congestion, a combination of a newer-generation antihistamine and a decongestant is particularly beneficial. A new once-daily fexofenadine/pseudoephedrine combination has been developed and recently approved in the US. The combination provides an effective, well-tolerated antihistamine and a reliable, sustained-release pseudoephedrine system. In addition, small tablet size and once-daily dosing may provide patients with increased convenience and improve adherence. In summary, the combination of immediate-release fexofenadine/sustained-release pseudoephedrine offers an important additional option for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.