- February 9, 2023
- Newsletter
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Brand Name :
Semprex-D
Synonyms :
acrivastine and pseudoephedrine
Class :
Antihistamine
Dosage Forms & Strengths
capsule
8mg/60mg
Indicated for Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis:
One capsule orally every 4 to 6 hours
Do not continue for more than 14 days
Dosage Forms & Strengths
capsule
8mg/60mg
<12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
>12 years: 1 capsule orally every 4 to 6 hours. Do not continue for more than 14 days
Refer adult dosing
may decrease the diagnostic effect of antihistamines
may increase the hypertensive effect of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the constipating effect of anticholinergic agents
may increase the hypertensive effects of sympathomimetics
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the anticholinergic effect of anticholinergic agents
may increase the constipating effect of anticholinergic agents
may increase the vasoconstrictive effect of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the vasoconstrictive effect of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the vasoconstrictive effect of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the vasoconstrictive effect of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the vasoconstrictive effect of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the hypertensive effects of sympathomimetics
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the toxic effect of CNS depressants
may increase the vasopressor effect of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the hypertensive effects of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the hypertensive effects of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the hypertensive effects of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the hypertensive effects of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the hypertensive effects of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may decrease the therapeutic effect of anticholinergic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect of anticholinergic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect of anticholinergic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect of anticholinergic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect of anticholinergic agents
may increase the serum concentration of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the serum concentration of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the serum concentration of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the serum concentration of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the serum concentration of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the vasoconstrictive effect of alpha/beta agonists
bunazosin (Not available in the United States)
may increase the vasoconstrictive effect of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the vasoconstrictive effect of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the vasoconstrictive effect of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the vasoconstrictive effect of alpha/beta agonists
may increase the anticholinergic effect of anticholinergic agents
Mechanism of action
acrivastine is an antihistamine that blocks the H1 histamine receptors in the body, thereby reducing allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that narrows the blood vessels in the nasal passages, decreasing swelling and congestion. It also has a mild stimulating effect on the nervous system, which can help to relieve nasal congestion
Spectrum
The spectrum of acrivastine and pseudoephedrine activity is limited to treating allergic symptoms and nasal congestion, respectively. They are commonly used together in over-the-counter cold and flu remedies to provide both symptom relief from nasal congestion and allergies
Frequency defined:
1-10%
nervousness
dry mouth
somnolence
insomnia
<1%
dizziness
nausea
pharyngitis
dysmenorrhea
headache
asthenia
dyspepsia
increased cough
Post-marketing reports
palpitations
tachycardia
skin reactions
Contraindications
acrivastine:
pseudoephedrine:
Caution
acrivastine:
pseudoephedrine:
Pregnancy consideration: It is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, as it may cause harm to the foetus
Lactation: Excretion of the drug in human breast milk is unknown
Pregnancy category:
Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.
Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.
Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category
Pharmacology
acrivastine is a second-generation, non-sedating antihistamine that blocks the H1 histamine receptors in the body. By blocking the effects of histamine, acrivastine reduces allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes
pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic decongestant that narrows the blood vessels in the nasal passages, decreasing swelling and congestion. It also has a mild stimulating effect on the nervous system, which can help to relieve nasal congestion
Pharmacodynamics
acrivastine acts as a competitive antagonist at H1 histamine receptors in the body. By blocking the effects of histamine, acrivastine reduces the symptoms of allergies such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
pseudoephedrine narrows the blood vessels in the nasal passages, decreasing swelling and congestion. It also has a mild stimulating effect on the nervous system, which can help to relieve nasal congestion.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Both acrivastine and pseudoephedrine are rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration. acrivastine reaches its peak plasma concentration 1.1 hours after administration, while pseudoephedrine reaches its peak concentration 1.97 hours after administration. acrivastine has a peak plasma concentration of 227 ng/ml, and pseudoephedrine has a peak plasma concentration of 422 ng/ml
Distribution:
The distribution of acrivastine is 0.46 L/kg and the Vd of pseudoephedrine is 3 L/kg. acrivastine is 50% protein-bound, while pseudoephedrine is minimally protein-bound
Metabolism:
acrivastine is metabolized to a propionic acid metabolite, with 11% of the dose being converted
Elimination/Excretion: Most acrivastine is excreted in the urine (84%), with a smaller portion excreted in the feces (13%). Pseudoephedrine is primarily excreted in the urine (55-75% depending on urine pH). The clearance of acrivastine is 2.9 mL/min/kg, while the clearance of pseudoephedrine is 5.9 mL/min/kg
Administration
acrivastine and pseudoephedrine are both typically administered orally in the form of a tablet or capsule
The recommended dose of acrivastine for adults is 8 mg, taken three times daily to relieve seasonal allergies or hay fever symptoms. The recommended dose for children over the age of 12 years is the same as for adults. The dose for children aged 6 to 11 years is 4 mg three times a day
The recommended dose of pseudoephedrine for adults is 60-120 mg, taken every 4-6 hours to relieve nasal congestion or sinus pressure associated with colds, flu, or allergies. The maximum daily dose is 240 mg
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: acrivastine and pseudoephedrine
Pronounced: (a-kri-va-steen/ soo-doh-uh-fuh-dreen)
Why do we use acrivastine and pseudoephedrine?
It is used to treat seasonal hay fever symptoms (allergic rhinitis), such as an itchy or runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion