CNS side-effect of fexofenadine, 180 mg tablet.

ABSTRACT

Fexofenadine, the derivative of terfenadine, has been shown to produce no side-effect on the heart, not distributed to the central nervous system (CNS), and having high selectivity for peripheral histamine H1-receptors. Fexofenadine is an effective antihistamine for the treatment of many allergic diseases. The authors have studied the CNS depressant effects of a higher dose of Fexofenadine, a 180 mg tablet, in 20 normal Thai volunteers, 10 males and 10 females with ages ranging from 25 to 52 years, using a double blind cross-over placebo controlled design by comparing it with chlorpheniramine 4 mg tablet. The test methods were both subjective and objective, i.e., visual analogue scale, alertness rating scale, card sorting test, glassbead picking test, and recording of the reaction time to light stimulation. Neither the fexofenadine 180 mg tablet nor the placebo caused any CNS side-effects. However, the chlorpheniramine 4 mg tablet caused significant CNS side-effects.