Seasonal Allergic RhinitisAdults

In three 2-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in subjects 12 to 68 years of age with seasonal allergic rhinitis (n=1634), fexofenadine hydrochloride 60 mg twice daily significantly reduced total symptom scores (the sum of the individual scores for sneezing, rhinorrhea, itchy nose/palate/throat, itchy/watery/red eyes) compared to placebo. Statistically significant reductions in symptom scores were observed following the first 60 mg dose, with the effect maintained throughout the 12-hour interval. In these studies, there was no additional reduction in total symptom scores with higher doses of fexofenadine hydrochloride up to 240 mg twice daily.

In one 2-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind clinical trial in subjects 12 to 65 years of age with seasonal allergic rhinitis (n=863), fexofenadine hydrochloride 180 mg once daily significantly reduced total symptom scores (the sum of the individual scores for sneezing, rhinorrhea, itchy nose/palate/throat, itchy/watery/red eyes) compared to placebo. Although the number of subjects in some of the subgroups was small, there were no significant differences in the effect of fexofenadine hydrochloride across subgroups of subjects defined by gender, age, and race. Onset of action for reduction in total symptom scores, excluding nasal congestion, was observed at 60 minutes compared to placebo following a single 60 mg fexofenadine hydrochloride dose administered to subjects with seasonal allergic rhinitis who were exposed to ragweed pollen in an environmental exposure unit. In 1 clinical trial conducted with fexofenadine hydrochloride 60 mg capsules, and in 1 clinical trial conducted with fexofenadine hydrochloride/pseudoephedrine hydrochloride extended release tablets, onset of action was seen within 1 to 3 hours.

Pediatrics

Two 2-week multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials in 877 pediatric subjects 6 to 11 years of age with seasonal allergic rhinitis were conducted at doses of 15, 30, and 60 mg twice daily. In 1 of these 2 studies, conducted in 411 pediatric subjects, all 3 doses of fexofenadine hydrochloride significantly reduced total symptom scores (the sum of the individual scores for sneezing, rhinorrhea, itchy nose/palate/throat, itchy/watery/red eyes) compared to placebo, however, a dose-response relationship was not seen. The 60 mg twice daily dose did not provide any additional benefit over the 30 mg twice daily dose. Furthermore, exposure in pediatric subjects given 30 mg fexofenadine hydrochloride is comparable to adults given 60 mg (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).

Three clinical safety studies in 845 children aged 6 months to 5 years with allergic rhinitis comparing 15 mg twice daily (n=85) and 30 mg twice daily (n=330) of an experimental formulation of fexofenadine to placebo (n=430) have been conducted. In general, fexofenadine hydrochloride was well tolerated in these studies. No unexpected adverse events were seen given the known safety profile of fexofenadine and likely adverse reactions for this patient population. (See PRECAUTIONS Pediatric Use and ADVERSE REACTIONS.)

Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria

Two 4-week multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials compared four different doses of fexofenadine hydrochloride tablet (20, 60, 120, and 240 mg twice daily) to placebo in subjects aged 12 to 70 years with chronic idiopathic urticaria (n=726). Efficacy was demonstrated by a significant reduction in mean pruritus scores (MPS), mean number of wheals (MNW), and mean total symptom scores (MTSS, the sum of the MPS and MNW score). Although all 4 doses were significantly superior to placebo, symptom reduction was greater and efficacy was maintained over the entire 4-week treatment period with fexofenadine hydrochloride doses of ≥60 mg twice daily. However, no additional benefit of the 120 or 240 mg fexofenadine hydrochloride twice daily dose was seen over the 60 mg twice daily dose in reducing symptom scores. There were no significant differences in the effect of fexofenadine hydrochloride across subgroups of subjects defined by gender, age, weight, and race. 

In one 4-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in subjects 12 years of age and older with chronic idiopathic urticaria (n=259), fexofenadine hydrochloride 180 mg once daily significantly reduced the mean number of wheals (MNW), the mean pruritus score (MPS), and the mean total symptom score (MTSS, the sum of the MPS and MNW scores). Similar reductions were observed for mean number of wheals and mean pruritus score at the end of the 24-hour dosing interval. Symptom reduction was greater with fexofenadine hydrochloride 180 mg than with placebo. Improvement was demonstrated within 1 day of treatment with fexofenadine hydrochloride 180 mg and was maintained over the entire 4-week treatment period. There were no significant differences in the effect of fexofenadine hydrochloride across subgroups of subjects defined by gender, age, and race.