Air

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Air

Classification and Identity of the Drug Entity "Air"

Property Description
Active ingredient Oxygen (O2) & Nitrogen (N2) (Medical Air) OR Fexofenadine (Air Tablet)
Form Compressed Gas (Medical Air) OR Tablet (Air Tablet)
Pharmacological class Medical Gas OR Antihistamine
General Purpose Respiratory Support / Allergic Symptom Management
Origin Manufactured/Synthetic

The term Air in pharmacology addresses two distinct pharmaceutical entities: Medical Air, a high-purity Medicinal Gas, and a trademark for an oral drug, such as the Air 120 Tablet, which contains an Antihistamine. Medical Air is recognized as a Respiratory Support Agent and a Carrier Gas, essential for procedures requiring controlled gas administration. There are stringent purity and compositional standards required for this product to be classified as a drug. The tablet form, conversely, belongs to the Pharmacological Class of Second-Generation H1 Receptor Antagonists.


What is the Composition and Form of "Air"??

Medical Air is a Combination Product supplied as a high-pressure Compressed Gas, primarily consisting of Oxygen (O2) and Nitrogen (N2). This blend is manufactured to be oil-free and devoid of particulates, distinguishing it from general industrial air. The purity and pressure of medical gases are controlled for patient safety. The Air 120 Tablet, conversely, is an Oral Solid Dosage Form containing the active ingredient Fexofenadine. This compound is a chemical entity specifically synthesized to block histamine action. This single active ingredient is intended for systemic delivery.


What is the General Purpose of Air?

The general purpose of Medical Air is to safely maintain a patient's Respiratory Function during assisted ventilation, ensuring a consistent, non-toxic oxygen supply, or to act as an inert transport medium for inhalational anesthetics during procedures. The purpose of the Air Tablet is to provide systemic relief by achieving Inhibition of the Allergic Response. This is accomplished by preventing histamine, the body's primary allergy chemical, from binding to its target receptors, which successfully manages symptoms resulting from typical environmental exposure.

Regulatory References

  1. Medical Air DailyMed Label (USP)

What side effects are possible with Air?

Possible side effects and safety information

The official safety information for Air, which encompasses both the compressed Medical Gas and the Fexofenadine-containing Air Tablet, is strictly defined by government regulatory documents and public health monographs.


Air Tablet (Fexofenadine) Safety Profile

Adverse reactions for the Air Tablet are classified by frequency and system-organ class based on regulatory labels. Common (ge 1/100) reactions listed under Nervous System Disorders include Headache, Somnolence, and Dizziness, along with Nausea under Gastrointestinal Disorders. Fatigue is classified as Uncommon (ge 1/1,000 to < 1/100). These reactions may be more noticeable at the start of treatment.

Classification Examples of Reactions
Common Headache, Somnolence, Nausea
Uncommon Fatigue
Serious (Post-Marketing) Angioedema, Anaphylaxis, Dyspnoea

Serious adverse reactions, though rare, have been reported in post-marketing surveillance, including Hypersensitivity Reactions such as Angioedema and Anaphylaxis. The tablet is contraindicated in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to the active substance or excipients. Special considerations are advised for use in older adults and patients with renal or hepatic impairment, as elimination may be altered.


Medical Air (Compressed Gas) Safety Profile

The safety profile for Medical Air is primarily procedural, centered on the physical properties of a medicinal gas. Risks are not frequency-classified but relate to the administration technique. Hazards include the potential for barotrauma (injury due to pressure) and the consequences of inappropriate O2 concentration, such as hypoxemia or hyperoxemia. Particular caution is required for patients with certain types of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), where uncontrolled oxygen flow can pose a respiratory risk. Safety mandates adherence to strict gas purity standards and precise control of pressure and concentration during use.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official regulatory overdose profile for the medicine Air is detailed separately for its two distinct forms: the oral tablet (Fexofenadine) and the compressed medicinal gas (Medical Air).


Air Tablet (Fexofenadine) Overdose

Official prescribing information documents specific manifestations reported from human overdose experience. These documented clinical signs include dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth.

Regulators mandate that in the event of suspected overdose, immediate action must be taken. Patients are instructed to seek emergency medical attention or to contact the Poison Help line immediately.

Management procedures officially described in labeling include giving symptomatic and supportive treatment. Additionally, measures to remove any unabsorbed drug should be considered. No specific antidote is known for this overdose. A specific population consideration exists, noting that the elimination of the active ingredient may be prolonged in patients with renal impairment.


Medical Air (Compressed Gas) Overdose

Official regulatory documentation for Medical Air, which is a medicinal gas, classifies the overdose section as "None applicable" in the Summary of Product Characteristics, meaning no specific symptoms or mandatory actions are detailed for overdose in this product's official labeling.

Therapeutic Uses of Air

What Air Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The medicine Air is primarily designed to provide targeted, short-term symptomatic support across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed. Its main uses center on helping patients manage acute symptom patterns and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases. The medicine is relevant in contexts where short-term symptom management is appropriate.


Focus on Symptomatic Support

Air is relevant in clinical settings marked by increased discomfort or tension and the sudden appearance or intensification of symptoms related to heightened physiological activity. It is commonly used for managing symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and those that become more disruptive during flare-ups.

This medication helps address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive and is relevant for managing episodic or fluctuating manifestations. It is often used when symptoms intensify and supportive relief is needed.

This application supports patients during episodes of heightened discomfort, contributing to easing the overall symptom load.


Clinical Indications & Quick Fact

Air is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes, conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms, and conditions where functional stability becomes affected. By offering symptomatic relief, it may assist with supportive relief when symptoms interfere with routine activities when symptoms become temporarily overwhelming.

Quick Fact: Relief for symptoms related to heightened physiological activity

Regulatory References

  1. European Medicines Agency (EMA) guidance on therapeutic indications

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility profile for "Air" is defined by two distinct regulatory entities: Medical Air (Compressed Gas) and Air Tablet (Fexofenadine).

Medical Air use is conditional on the setting: it is designated for use only by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner and by trained personnel. There are no absolute blanket population contraindications in the general regulatory label; non-eligibility is determined by the supervising professional based on individual patient assessment.

The Air Tablet (Fexofenadine) has specific eligibility exclusions and restrictions. It is contraindicated in any patient with a known hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of its components.

Eligibility is also determined by age and physical condition:

  • Pediatric Use: The tablet is not approved for chronic hives in children under 6 months old or for seasonal allergies in children under 2 years old.
  • Organ Function: Patients with renal (kidney) impairment require conditional use involving a mandated dose adjustment due to altered drug clearance. No dose adjustment is needed for hepatic impairment.
  • Older Adults and Pregnancy: Use with caution is advised for patients 65 years old due to the potential for elevated drug levels. Use during pregnancy is generally not recommended unless clearly necessary, and use during lactation is cautioned as the drug enters breast milk.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with Other Medicines and Products

This section describes officially documented interaction patterns for Medical Air (a Medicinal Gas) and the Air Tablet (containing Fexofenadine), based strictly on government regulatory documents.


Air Tablet (Fexofenadine) Interaction Profile

Interactions with the Air Tablet are primarily pharmacokinetic, affecting drug absorption and systemic exposure.

Type of Interaction Interacting Substances Official Regulatory Constraint
Increased Exposure Erythromycin, Ketoconazole Co-administration results in significantly higher plasma concentrations due to P-gp/OATP transporter inhibition.
Reduced Absorption Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Antacids Regulatory guidance mandates a time separation (e.g., 15 minutes to 2 hours) between administrations.
Dietary Impact Specific Fruit Juices (e.g., orange, grapefruit) Officially documented to reduce fexofenadine bioavailability and systemic exposure.

Medical Air (Compressed Gas) Interaction Profile

Interactions for Medical Air focus on procedural constraints and physical safety.

Type of Interaction Interacting Context/Substance Official Regulatory Constraint
Procedural Necessity Inhalational Anesthetics Medical Air is documented as a necessary carrier gas and diluent for safe administration.
Physical Hazard Open Flame/Ignition Sources Prohibited due to the gas’s property of supporting combustion; product is labeled as a hazard if exposed to extreme heat.

Mechanism of Action

Dual Mechanism of Bronchodilation

The drug Air modulates airway smooth muscle tone by engaging two distinct pharmacodynamic pathways. It acts as an agonist, binding to and stimulating beta2-adrenergic receptors located on the muscle cells. Simultaneously, it functions as an antagonist at the M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, which mediate contractile signals.

This dual interaction triggers an intracellular cascade: the beta2-agonism increases the second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP), while the muscarinic antagonism prevents pathways that signal for contraction. Both actions converge to reduce the concentration of intracellular calcium. The resulting low calcium environment promotes the relaxation of airway smooth muscle.

This system-level physiological modulation produces the final consequence of decreased airway resistance across the air passages, altering the dynamic properties of the pulmonary system.

Dosage and Administration Information

The administration of the medicine "Air" adheres to two distinct protocols based on its form: the Medical Gas used for respiratory support and the Oral Tablet containing fexofenadine hydrochloride.

Usage Protocol for Medical Air (Compressed Gas)

Medical Air is administered via the inhalation route using specialized delivery systems. The gas composition is standardized, typically comprising approximately 21% Oxygen and 79% Nitrogen. Unlike solid dosage forms, Medical Air does not have a fixed dose; instead, the dose is governed by the flow rate (L/min) and duration of application as determined by a licensed practitioner. Administration is characterized by a continuous or intermittent schedule and must occur under professional supervision using appropriate pressure-reducing and flow-regulating equipment.

Usage Protocol for Air Tablet (Fexofenadine HCl)

Dosing Regimen Adult and Pediatric Use (Ages 12 years) Population-Specific Adjustment (Renal Impairment)
Standard Dose 180 mg once daily OR 60 mg twice daily (BID). Maximum 180 mg/day. The starting dose is 60 mg once daily (qDay).
Pediatric (6–11 years) 30 mg twice daily (BID). No adjustment needed for hepatic impairment or older adults.

Administration is strictly oral and requires adherence to specific intake constraints to maintain proper absorption. The tablet must be taken with water and must not be taken with fruit juices (e.g., grapefruit, apple, orange). If taking aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids, the Air Tablet dose must be separated by approximately 2 hours. If a dose is missed, patients should take the next scheduled dose at the usual time and should not take a double dose.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Air

This overview summarizes the research base for the two distinct entities classified as "Air": the Medical Air gas blend and the oral Air Tablet (Fexofenadine), detailing the types of studies available and where knowledge gaps exist.


Research Supporting Medical Air for Respiratory Support

Medical Air, a blend of oxygen and nitrogen, was studied for its supportive use in patient care. The evidence supporting its primary application is established by foundational physiological principles and technical standards mandated by regulatory bodies. Research examined its application during procedures requiring controlled gas administration, such as mechanical ventilation in critical care. Studies focus on technical outcomes, such as the consistency of flow rates and purity, and on clinical safety, including the evaluation of controlled oxygen concentrations. An inherent lack of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) exists, as its use is foundational to standard life support.


Evidence for the Air Tablet in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

The Air Tablet was studied for managing symptoms related to seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). The research primarily consists of short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), typically spanning two to four weeks, and subsequent systematic reviews. Studies explored how symptoms evolved in the observed populations by measuring patient-reported outcomes like changes in the Total Symptom Score (TSS). Research highlights changes measured during the study period when the tablet was evaluated against a placebo or active comparator. However, long-term outcomes are not fully established, and evidence quality varies across some older trials.


What Is Still Uncertain about the Evidence for Air

Research is ongoing to address several gaps in the current evidence landscape for the Air Tablet. Key limitations identified across regulatory and scientific reviews include heterogeneity (differences) in patient selection across various clinical trials. Comparative evidence is lacking for certain pairings of second-generation antihistamines. For both forms of Air, the results apply only to the populations studied, and there remains limited information for long-term outcomes regarding consistent, multi-year use.

Key Studies & References

  1. USP Initiatives for the Safe Use of Medical Gases (Foundation for Medical Air Standards)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Air (FAQ)


Q: Is Air the same kind of medicine as other treatments for this condition?

A: Official documents classify the Air Tablet (fexofenadine) as a Second-Generation Antihistamine. This means it is a type of medicine known as a selective peripheral H1 receptor antagonist.

This specific classification helps distinguish it from older antihistamines and other general types of allergy treatments.


Q: How long does it usually take to notice any effects from Air?

A: According to pharmacodynamic studies, the initial antihistamine effect of the Air Tablet is typically observed within one hour after taking a single dose.

The maximum measured effect is generally reached between two and three hours post-administration.


Q: Are there common reasons why Air might not work for someone?

A: Official regulatory information highlights that certain external factors can affect how the body absorbs the medicine.

Specifically, taking the Air Tablet with fruit juices or some types of antacids may significantly reduce its absorption, meaning the full systemic exposure may not be reached.


Q: Are the side effects of Air generally temporary?

A: Regulatory information notes that common reactions, such as headache, somnolence (drowsiness), and nausea, may be more noticeable when treatment is first started.


Q: Is Air used for any other conditions besides the main one it treats?

A: Yes, official documents state that beyond its use for seasonal allergic rhinitis, the Air Tablet is also indicated for the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria.

This condition is commonly known as chronic hives.


Q: Does Air come in different forms, like a pill and a liquid?

A: Official prescribing information indicates that the product containing fexofenadine is available in more than one pharmaceutical form.

This includes the standard oral tablet, and also an oral suspension, which is a liquid form.


Q: What does official guidance say about driving or operating machinery while taking Air?

A: Official patient guidance states that due to the potential for dizziness and somnolence (drowsiness), there is advice against driving, cycling, or operating machinery until the individual is certain that alertness is not impaired.


Q: Can Air affect liver function?

A: The Air Tablet has generally not been linked to significant or clinically apparent acute liver injury.

However, regulatory documents indicate that special consideration is required when the product is given to patients who have pre-existing hepatic impairment (liver function problems).


Q: Does Air have a black box warning from the FDA?

A: Official FDA product information confirms that the Air Tablet (fexofenadine mono-product) does not carry a Black Box Warning.

This is the highest level of warning placed on prescription drug labeling to call attention to serious or life-threatening risks.


Q: What should I know about taking Air with supplements or vitamins?

A: Official interaction profiles focus on drug-drug and specific dietary interactions, such as those with fruit juices or certain antacids.

Generally, common vitamins and mineral supplements are not listed as having an adverse interaction in regulatory documents.


Q: Is Air a medicine that is approved in other countries besides the US?

A: The active ingredient in the Air Tablet is approved by several major regulatory bodies globally.

Regulatory status confirms that the product is also approved for sale and use in other regions, including the European Union and the United Kingdom.


Q: Does taking Air affect birth control pills?

A: Clinical experience data and regulatory information indicate that the Air Tablet (fexofenadine) has not been found to interfere with or reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control pills.


Q: What happens if I stop taking Air suddenly?

A: Assessments conducted during drug review have looked for potential withdrawal or rebound effects upon stopping the medicine.

Official findings state that no specific withdrawal syndrome has been identified when the Air Tablet is discontinued.


Q: Does Air interact with alcohol?

A: Regulatory information reports that fexofenadine is not known to increase the effects of alcohol when compared to other substances.

However, regulatory guidance documents include information regarding avoiding excessive alcohol consumption while using the product.


Q: Is Air a controlled substance?

A: Official classifications from government agencies, such as the FDA, confirm that the Air Tablet is not categorized as a controlled substance.

This refers to a legal scheduling of drugs based on their potential for abuse or dependency.


Q: Is there a generic version of Air available?

A: The active ingredient, Fexofenadine Hydrochloride, is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug and is widely available in generic formulations.

Official marketing status confirms that there are multiple manufacturers producing the generic version of this medicine.


Q: Has Air been recalled or subject to any significant safety warnings?

A: All pharmaceutical products are subject to regulatory oversight. If a quality issue is identified, government bodies can issue specific recalls that may affect certain batches or lots of the product.

These measures are implemented to support compliance with manufacturing and purity standards.


Q: What information is available regarding the effect of Air on blood pressure?

A: The official label for the single-ingredient Air Tablet generally does not list effects on blood pressure.

However, regulatory documents for combination products containing fexofenadine sometimes state that special consideration is needed for patients who have pre-existing hypertension (high blood pressure).


Q: Are there any specific medical tests required before starting Air?

A: While no mandatory clinical tests are required before starting the medicine, official regulatory patient guidance includes a statement regarding the necessity of informing a healthcare provider if an allergy skin test is scheduled.

This is because the medication may affect the accuracy of the test results.

How should Air be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Air?

The storage and disposal requirements for Air differ based on its pharmaceutical form: Medical Air (Compressed Gas) or the Air Tablet (Fexofenadine). Both sets of rules are defined by official regulatory documentation to ensure safety and stability.

Product Form Key Storage Requirements Disposal Mandate
Medical Air Store cylinders upright, secured, and away from heat/flammable materials. Valve caps must be in place. Mandatory return to supplier with positive residual pressure.
Air Tablet Store in original packaging to protect from moisture. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not dispose of in household waste or wastewater; return to a collection scheme.

The tablets require access restriction and stability maintenance, while the compressed gas requires strict physical safety and separation protocols.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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