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Fexofenadine vs Loratadine

By: Author Health Guide's Editorial

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Fexofenadine vs Loratadine – comparison:

Introduction

Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is an inflammatory disorder induced by allergen exposure.

Symptoms

Symptoms of SAR include:

  • postnasal drip;
  • nasal congestion;
  • facial pressure or pain;
  • a runny nose;
  • fatigue;
  • coughing;
  • sneezing;
  • itchy nose;
  • watery eyes.

Causes

An allergy is an overaggressive immune response that is triggered by touching certain substances, ingesting certain foods, or inhaling an irritant.

The main culprits for causing allergic reactions are:

  • pollen;
  • medications;
  • some foods, especially dairy products;
  • insect stings;
  • dust mites;
  • mold spores;
  • pet dander.

Diagnosis

There are a few methods to pinpoint allergies, including:

  • serum-specific IgE antibody testing
  • allergy skin test – the most frequent skin test is the “prick test.”

Treatment

For milder cases of SAR, home remedies may provide all the relief you need.

Some of the home remedies include the following:

Acupuncture

In acupuncture, hair-thin needles are inserted into specific points on the skin and then gently moved. Acupuncture can help naturally reduce allergy symptoms, according to a study published in the European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Turmeric

The main active substance in turmeric, curcumin, helped to alleviate runniness, sneezing, and congestion, as well as it helped to clear nasal airflow after 60 months of treatment compared to placebo, as per a study that was issued in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

Foods Rich In Carotenoids

Carotenoids are a family of plant pigments, the most renowned being beta-carotene. Foods rich in carotenoids are:

  • carrots;
  • beets;
  • oranges;
  • mangoes;
  • papayas;
  • sweet potatoes;
  • grapefruits;
  • red onions;
  • red cabbages;
  • red sweet bell peppers;
  • cayenne peppers.

Reduce Your Exposure To Pollen

You can take steps to reduce your exposure to pollen. These steps are:

  • to keep your indoor air as clean as possible, invest in an air purifier;
  • to wash allergens off of your hair and skin, shower before you go to sleep;
  • change your clothes as soon as you come into the house;
  • wash your sheets in hot water at least once a week;
  • keep the windows shut to stop allergens from floating indoors.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Take 1 tbs of unfiltered apple cider vinegar that is diluted in a cup of water, once before bed and once in the morning.

Onion

Onions contain quercetin, a water-soluble chemical compound that is known to reduce the amount of histamine produced by your body.

Green Tea

It contains methylated epigallocatechin gallate, a compound that has been shown to have potent antioxidant attributes which inhibit allergic reactions.

Cayenne Pepper

Image source – https://www.flickr.com/photos/jkdatlanta/3497413025

It contains capsaicin, a phytochemical which can help desensitize mucous membranes, break up congestion, and reduce inflammation levels in your body.

Medicines

If you dont experience relief from your seasonal allergic rhinitis with the help of the above home remedies, your doctor may recommend the following medications:

  • nasal corticosteroid sprays – they are effective in reducing inflammation
  • nasal sprays – they are designed to relieve congestion and itching
  • immunotherapy shots or tablets – they are given to desensitize the body to pollen
  • OTC antihistamine medications.

Bellow Is A Comparison Of Two Over-The-Counter Medications Used For The Relief Of SAR Symptoms:

Fexofenadine

It is a selective histamine H1 receptor antagonist which has been developed for the treatment of the symptoms associated with chronic urticaria and allergic rhinitis. It appears to display some anti-inflammatory properties and does not cross the blood-brain barrier.

Loratadine

Loratadine is a 2nd-generation, non-sedating antihistamine.

Uses

Fexofenadine is used to treat allergic conjunctivitis (red, itchy eye), hay fever, hives (nettle rash), and eczema.

Loratadine is used in the treatment of allergic conditions such as:

  • chronic urticaria and angioedema;
  • atopic dermatitis;
  • eye inflammation;
  • allergic rhinitis.

Mechanism of Action

Fexofenadine works by blocking histamine in the body, which is produced during an allergic reaction.

The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 12-14 hours.

Loratadine works by blocking serotonin and histamine, which your body makes during an allergic reaction.

Side Effects

The most common adverse events associated with fexofenadine include:

  • diarrhea;
  • headache;
  • difficulty swallowing;
  • dizziness;
  • swelling of the face, throat, or eyes;
  • dry mouth;
  • difficulty breathing;
  • back pain;
  • rash;
  • blurred vision;
  • hives;
  • urinary retention;
  • nausea.

The most common adverse events associated with loratadine include:

  • vomiting;
  • diarrhea;
  • restlessness;
  • drowsiness;
  • nausea;
  • dry mouth;
  • nervousness;
  • fatigue;
  • heartburn;
  • headache.

Dosage

The recommended dosage of fexofenadine for children aged six to 11 years is 30 milligrams two times per day. For adults and children aged 12 years and over, the recommended dosage is 120 milligrams once per day.

The usual dosage of loratadine for children aged two to 11 years is 5 milligrams once per day. For adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over, the usual dosage of loratadine is 10 milligrams once per day.

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Warnings & Precautions

Fexofenadine

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you:

  • are booked to have an allergy test;
  • have epilepsy;
  • have heart problems;
  • have problems with your kidneys or liver;
  • have had an allergic reaction to any other medicines in the past.

Loratadine

  • do not use this antihistamine for more than two weeks
  • if you’re elderly, use it with caution
  • do not give this antihistamine to children younger than two years old.

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Drug Interactions

Fexofenadine may interact in a negative way with the following medications:

  • pseudoephedrine;
  • Adderall;
  • ProAir HFA (a medication used to treat asthma);
  • fexofenadine;
  • Cymbalta (a medication used for the treatment of major depressive disorder).

Loratadine may interact in a negative way with the following medications:

  • ibuprofen;
  • Advair Diskus;
  • Flonase (a synthetic glucocorticoid);
  • azithromycin;
  • Mucinex (an expectorant medication);
  • Zyrtec;
  • Benadryl (diphenhydramine);
  • phentermine;
  • Cymbalta;
  • prednisone (a synthetic glucocorticoid drug);
  • diphenhydramine;
  • Zoloft;
  • Lexapro;
  • Xanax;
  • Nexium (a proton-pump inhibitor);
  • Synthroid.

Alcohol

It is best not to drink alcoholic beverages while you are taking fexofenadine or loratadine, as alcohol intake can make you feel sleepy.

Is It Safe During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?

It is not known whether fexofenadine may harm a nursing baby. In addition, it is not known whether this medication will harm an unborn baby.

Loratadine may harm a nursing infant as it can pass into breast milk. But, it is not expected to harm an unborn baby.

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Bottom Line – Fexofenadine vs Loratadine

Both antihistamines work by blocking histamine from binding to H1 receptors. Also, both antihistamines have a substantially better relief of the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, when compared with placebo. But, according to a 2001 study, loratadine has a notably greater relief in symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis during the first three days of treatment when compared with fexofenadine.

Sourceshttps://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/fexofenadine
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2000/20872lbl.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5771028/
https://www.jacionline.org/article/0091-6749(88)91045-7/pdf