Fexofenadine, commonly known as Allegra® or Telfast®, is a second generation antihistamine drug that may be used for dogs and cats to control itching and other signs related to allergic conditions. Fexofenadine is considered less sedating than other antihistamines.
fexofenadine (Telfast®) – this is a second gen. It is available as 60 mg capsules and 120 or 180 mg tablets. The dose is 5–10 mg/kg once or twice daily (don't use if your dog is on ketoconazole or a macrolide antibiotic)
How quickly does Telfast start working? Telfast works within 1 hour of taking the recommended dosage.
Precautions and Side Effects
Fexofenadine can cause sedation in dogs if it has been used in higher doses. If your dog is currently pregnant or has had babies recently, you should consult your vet before giving fexofenadine to your dog.
Mild motion sickness in dogs can be treated with Phenergan or Benadryl antihistamine tablets (see doses above) which may also cause mild drowsiness. Ginger products used for people also appear safe.
Side effects tend to be minimal, although some pets do become drowsy. The dosing schedule is also much more convenient, with dogs weighing over 10 lbs getting a single 10mg tablet once daily.
Antihistamines are usually safe but can make some dogs drowsy and others hyperactive. OTC antihistamine preparations may contain other ingredients such as decongestants that are not safe for dogs. Read the label carefully to ensure that the product only contains antihistamine.
Telfast 180mg is suitable for most hayfever allergy symptoms. Its 5-in-1 multi-benefit relief helps ease symptoms such as sneezing, itchy and runny nose and itchy throat. It is also suitable for those suffering from itchy skin rash or hives (urticaria) associated with allergies.
Apoquel starts relieving allergic dog itch and inflammation due to skin allergies within 4 hours — and controls it within 24 hours. The #1 prescribed medicine for allergic itch in dogs.
Benadryl Tablets
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the standard dose for Benadryl is 2-4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, or 0.9-1.8 milligrams (mg) of Benadryl per pound. Therefore, a simple and practical dose is 1 mg of Benadryl per pound of your dog's weight, given 2-3 times a day.
Cetirizine (brand name Zyrtec®, Reactine®) is an antihistamine used to treat pruritus (itching) associated with atopic dermatitis, urticaria (hives), and insect-bite reactions in cats and dogs. Its use is in cats and dogs is 'off label' or 'extra label'.
Fexofenadine, commonly known as Allegra® or Telfast®, is a second generation antihistamine drug that may be used for dogs and cats to control itching and other signs related to allergic conditions. Fexofenadine is considered less sedating than other antihistamines.
Which antihistamine is best for allergic skin rashes? The best antihistamine to take during the day to help with allergic skin rashes is Curist Allergy Relief (levocetirizine) or another antihistamine like loratadine, which can provide 24-hour symptom relief without making you feel sleepy.
Fexofenadine is suitable for most sufferers of hayfever allergy symptoms. It helps ease symptoms such as sneezing, itchy and runny nose and itchy throat. Some fexofenadine products are also suitable for people suffering from symptoms of itchy skin rash or hives (urticaria) associated with allergies.
Several over-the-counter (OTC) human antihistamines can work to help relieve dog allergy symptoms, but we recommend that you consult with your veterinarian before administering any of these medications. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is the most popular antihistamine for humans and can be effective for dogs as well.
Zyrtec (cetirizine) or Claritin (loratadine) can be given once to twice daily. The adult tablets are both 10mg. Dogs under 10 pounds should get no more than 5mg, or ½ of a tablet. Those weighing 10-50 pounds should get 10mg, and heavy dogs (over 50 pounds) can take up to 20mg.
The 10 mg pills are okay for dogs between 10 and 50 lbs, though 5-10 lb dogs should only take half (or a 5-mg tablet.) Canines who exceed 50 lbs may take up to two 10 mg tablets if necessary. Dogs under 5 lbs should only take a quarter of a 10 mg tablet or half of a 5 mg pill.
When strict flea control is not possible, or in cases of severe itching, your veterinarian may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids (steroids) to block the acute allergic reaction and give immediate relief. If a secondary bacterial infection is present, an appropriate antibiotic will be prescribed.
The most commonly known antihistamine is Benadryl, says Dr. Shah, but it can cause drowsiness. That's why he recommends second-generation antihistamines like Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra, which are less sedating.
When accidentally ingested by dogs and cats, antihistamine poisoning can result in clinical signs of severe agitation, lethargy, sedation, aggression, abnormal heart rate, abnormal blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, inappetance, seizures, respiratory depression, and even death.
Benadryl is safe to give your dog for allergies, anxiety, motion sickness, and vaccine side effects. Though a typical Benadryl pill is 25 mg, you should only give your dog 0.9-1.8 mg per pound of weight.