Telfast 180

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Telfast 180

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Treatment option: Hives

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 Telfast 180

Telfast 180
Property Description
Active ingredient Fexofenadine hydrochloride
Form Oral film-coated tablet
Pharmacological class Second-Generation H1-Receptor Antagonist
General purpose Alleviating symptoms of allergic conditions
Origin Synthetic piperidine derivative

What Type of Medicine is Telfast 180?

Telfast 180 is a synthetic, single-ingredient oral medication classified as a Second-Generation H1-Receptor Antagonist, which places it within the general pharmacological class of antihistamines. The preparation's core identity is defined by its sole active component, fexofenadine hydrochloride, which is chemically a piperidine derivative. As a non-sedating antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms, this medicine is specifically designed to fight histamine-related discomfort without causing strong drowsiness, a property resulting from its limited central nervous system penetration.

The use of a second-generation compound represents a significant pharmacological advancement in addressing hypersensitivity reactions. Unlike older, first-generation agents (such as diphenhydramine), fexofenadine is structurally modified to limit its passage across the blood-brain barrier. This intentional refinement ensures that the active compound focuses its efforts primarily on peripheral tissues, providing therapeutic effect while minimizing potential cognitive interference.


Fexofenadine: Its Composition and General Purpose

The medication is composed of fexofenadine hydrochloride and is physically presented as film-coated tablets designed for systemic absorption. The general purpose of this medicine is to deliver a potent anti-allergic effect by selectively interrupting the events triggered by histamine release, offering relief in scenarios like managing symptoms caused by seasonal pollen. Fexofenadine is characterized by its well-established anti-allergic action, which effectively addresses the physical consequences of the body's allergic response.

Fexofenadine functions as an antagonist, meaning it blocks the binding of histamine, the natural chemical messenger released during an allergic response, to the body's peripheral H1-receptors. By preventing histamine from activating these receptors, the medication successfully interrupts the allergic cascade. This targeted mechanism serves to alleviate the physical manifestations associated with the body's overreaction to common environmental triggers.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH/MedlinePlus: Fexofenadine

What side effects are possible with Telfast 180?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of fexofenadine hydrochloride is defined by the adverse reactions documented in official regulatory sources, classified primarily by frequency and the body system affected. These classifications reflect how regulatory documents organize and communicate the medicine's potential risks.


Adverse Reaction Classification

The following table summarizes adverse reactions based on their frequency in clinical data and post-marketing surveillance, consistent with regulatory labeling:

Classification Common Reactions Rare Reactions
Adverse Reactions Headache, Drowsiness/Somnolence, Dizziness, Nausea, Fatigue Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), Palpitations, Insomnia, Diarrhoea

System-Organ-Class Safety Groups

Adverse effects are grouped by the physiological system involved. The most frequently cited systems include Nervous System Disorders (e.g., dizziness, headache) and Gastrointestinal Disorders (e.g., nausea).

Documented Serious Adverse Reactions

The regulatory safety profile explicitly documents Rare but serious adverse reactions, including severe manifestations of hypersensitivity. These serious immune system disorders include Anaphylaxis and Angioedema (severe swelling of the face, throat, or tongue), as well as Chest Tightness and Dyspnoea (shortness of breath).


Safety-Related Constraints and Special Populations

Caution is advised in individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease due to rare post-marketing reports of palpitations and tachycardia. Furthermore, specific safety considerations apply to patients with Renal Impairment (impaired kidney function), as they may experience higher plasma levels of the medicine, which may require dose consideration. Regulatory information also advises against the concomitant use of fexofenadine with aluminum and magnesium hydroxide antacids as this may reduce the medicine's absorption.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Official regulatory information describes a limited clinical profile for overdose with Telfast 180 (fexofenadine hydrochloride). The most commonly reported symptoms following excessive intake in adult cases are dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and dry mouth. The maximum tolerated single dose has not been definitively established in formal clinical studies.


Emergency Actions and Medical Management

Overdose Presentation Medical Action Required
Symptomatic Overdose (Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, or excessive intake) Contact a doctor or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately for assessment.
Required Medical Management Standard measures should be employed to remove any unabsorbed drug from the gastrointestinal tract. Symptomatic and supportive care is the recommended course of treatment.

It is officially noted that fexofenadine is not effectively removed from the blood by standard haemodialysis procedures, and there is no specific antidote available for an overdose. Because information on severe toxicity is limited, seeking immediate professional medical attention is essential for evaluation and appropriate supportive care.

Therapeutic Uses of Telfast 180

Telfast 180 (fexofenadine) is applied across therapeutic domains involving certain distressing symptoms related to allergic hypersensitivity. The medicine is commonly used to help with managing the overall symptom burden in conditions characterized by periods of heightened physiological activity, such as seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and chronic idiopathic urticaria (persistent hives). The medication is commonly used to address these main conditions presenting with symptomatic discomfort.

The therapeutic benefit focuses on symptom clusters that create noticeable physiological strain, including sneezing, runny nose (rhinorrhea), itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and persistent skin itching (pruritus) associated with wheals. The use of this anti-allergic medication is applied in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required, particularly during periods of increased distress or discomfort. The formulation is classified as non-sedating, which is relevant for managing symptoms that interfere with daily comfort and assists with maintaining functional stability.

Quick Fact: Supports relief for Itchy Eyes, Runny Nose, and Hives

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus overview of Fexofenadine

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility for Telfast 180

The eligibility for using the 180 mg strength of Telfast is strictly defined by regulatory authorities and is determined by age, physiological status, and underlying health conditions.

Approved Populations

Use is officially authorized for adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older for the treatment of labeled conditions.

Groups Who Must Not Use Telfast 180

The primary contraindication is for any individual with a known history of hypersensitivity (allergy) to fexofenadine hydrochloride or to any of the other components in the tablet.

Conditional or Restricted Use

Certain populations should consult a health professional before use, as their eligibility is restricted or conditional:

  • Children Under 12 Years: The 180 mg tablet strength is not recommended for this age group, as its safety and efficacy have not been established.
  • Kidney (Renal) Impairment: Patients with decreased kidney function must use the medicine with caution, as altered drug clearance may occur.
  • Older Adults (Geriatric Patients): Individuals 65 years and older are advised to use with caution due to a higher likelihood of age-related decline in kidney function.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use is generally not recommended during pregnancy or lactation due to limited data and the drug’s excretion into breast milk.
  • Cardiovascular Conditions: Caution is advised for patients with a history of cardiovascular disease.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The interaction profile for fexofenadine is defined by its minimal metabolism and its dependence on specific drug transporters for absorption and elimination, as documented in regulatory labeling. The medicine does not undergo significant hepatic metabolism and is therefore not expected to interact with other drugs via CYP-mediated pathways.

Documented Pharmacokinetic Interactions

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Specific Interacting Medicines Erythromycin and Ketoconazole co-administration is formally documented to increase the level of fexofenadine in plasma by two to three times. Apalutamide co-administration has been shown to decrease systemic exposure.
Mechanistic Basis Inhibition or induction of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and organic-anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP).

Food and Timing Constraints

Category Regulatory Constraint
Interaction-Related Restrictions Co-ingestion with fruit juices (such as apple, orange, or grapefruit juice) is restricted as it reduces the bioavailability of fexofenadine.
Timing-Based Rules Antacids containing aluminum and magnesium hydroxide reduce fexofenadine absorption, requiring administration to be separated by 2 hours.

Population-Specific Interaction Notes

Official labeling includes population-specific considerations: patients with impaired renal function may experience prolonged clearance and increased systemic exposure due to the body's reliance on renal elimination.

Interaction Classifications: No drug–drug or drug–substance combinations are formally listed as contraindicated due to interaction risk. The documented interactions are based on pharmacokinetic mechanisms that modify drug levels.

Mechanism of Action

Blocking Histamine at the Peripheral H1 -Receptor

The drug's core molecular action is competitive antagonism at the Histamine H1 -receptor . By binding to this receptor on peripheral cells, the molecule functionally blocks endogenous histamine from initiating its signaling cascade, thereby modifying early molecular steps that shape subsequent systemic physiological outcomes.

️ Functional Selectivity and CNS Exclusion

This mechanism defines the drug's functional profile. The molecule's chemical properties and its active transport by P-glycoprotein restrict its penetration of the Blood-Brain Barrier, ensuring the action is selective for peripheral receptors. This functional exclusion limits activity to peripheral systems, enabling targeted pathway modulation outside the central nervous system.

Modulating Vascular and Mucosal Responses

This mechanism explains the resulting physiological effects on tissues. The blockade of peripheral H1 -receptors influences the microvasculature and exocrine glands, preventing histamine-induced capillary leakage and hypersecretion. This action results in modulation of activity within the targeted pathways, which physiologically reduces the impact of excessive mediator activity on tissue fluid balance and sensory nerve endings.

Dosage and Administration Information

Telfast 180 (fexofenadine hydrochloride 180 mg) is strictly intended for oral administration as a film-coated tablet. A standardized dose for adults and children 12 years of age and older is 180 mg once daily. This single dose represents the maximum dosage within a 24-hour period and establishes the required daily frequency of use.

The administration protocol requires the tablet to be swallowed whole with water. It is recommended that the 180 mg strength be taken before a meal. Proper use is contingent upon strict administration constraints: the medication must not be taken with fruit juices, including apple, orange, or grapefruit juice, as these substances can significantly reduce the amount of drug available for systemic absorption. Additionally, antacids containing aluminum or magnesium should not be administered within approximately 2 hours of the fexofenadine dose.

Usage guidelines include specific instructions for altered drug clearance: for adults with decreased renal function, the starting dose is reduced to 60 mg once daily. The 180 mg strength is generally not studied or recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. No dose adjustment is required for patients with hepatic impairment.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Telfast 180: Recent Clinical Evidence

Clinical research has focused on the use of Fexofenadine 180 mg for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), commonly known as hay fever.


Efficacy and Symptom Relief Studies

Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, often conducted in controlled environmental exposure units, investigated the potential of Fexofenadine 180 mg once daily to impact symptoms of SAR in adults and adolescents. These studies typically evaluate outcomes such as the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), which includes sneezing, runny nose (rhinorrhea), and itchy nose.

  • Research suggests that the onset of effects for allergy symptom reduction following a single dose may be observed within 60 minutes of administration, based on objective measurement of histamine-induced wheal and flare suppression.
  • One Phase 3 study evaluated the use of the 180 mg dose in patients with SAR symptoms that were aggravated by the presence of air pollutants (specifically Diesel Exhaust Particles). Study findings reported a significant reduction in overall nasal symptom scores when compared to placebo under these compounded conditions.

Safety and Tolerability Profile

Fexofenadine is classified as a second-generation antihistamine, meaning it minimally crosses the blood-brain barrier. This characteristic has been linked to a low potential for sedation in clinical trials, with adverse event profiles similar to placebo in many studies.

Common Adverse Events (A.E.s) Incidence in Clinical Trials
Headache Comparable to Placebo
Dizziness Reported
Nausea Reported

Clinical data has also demonstrated that Fexofenadine, even at doses up to 240 mg twice daily, does not appear to be associated with QT interval prolongation, a measure of cardiac safety, when compared to placebo.

Key Studies & References

  1. WAO-ARIA consensus on allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Telfast 180 (FAQ)

Q: Can I stop taking Telfast 180 once my symptoms are gone?

A: The regulatory information advises against abruptly stopping Telfast 180, even if symptoms appear resolved. Stopping suddenly may lead to a return of symptoms. A healthcare provider should be consulted before making any changes to the treatment, and any adjustments to the dosage should be made gradually under medical supervision. This approach is intended to help maintain control over allergic symptoms.


Q: How long does it takes for Telfast 180 to start working?

A: Telfast 180 may begin to relieve symptoms within a few hours of the first dose. However, the maximum benefit is typically observed after about two to four weeks of continuous daily use. The product label advises continuous daily use as prescribed.


Q: Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Telfast 180?

A: The interaction between Telfast 180 and alcohol should be discussed with a healthcare provider, as alcohol may increase the risk of side effects like dizziness. Excessive alcohol consumption may potentially heighten certain side effects. It is generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol to excess while on this treatment.

How should Telfast 180 be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal of Telfast 180 (Fexofenadine Hydrochloride)

Official Storage Requirements

Telfast 180 tablets must be stored at controlled room temperature, specifically between 20 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F), with permitted temperature fluctuations up to 30 C. The product must be kept out of the sight and reach of children and stored in its tightly closed original container or blister unit. To maintain its stability, protect the tablets from excessive moisture and do not use the medicine after the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Disposal Instructions

Regulatory guidelines specify that this medicine must not be thrown away via wastewater or general household waste. Unused or expired tablets should be returned to a pharmacist for proper disposal. This procedure ensures the correct handling of pharmaceutical waste to help protect the environment.

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

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