Ritch

Indications

• Allergic Rhinitis: Ritch is effective in alleviating symptoms associated with both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and children aged 12 years and above. It targets symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge (rhinorrhea), itchy eyes, and a sore throat, improving overall quality of life and productivity.
• Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: Ritch is used to relieve the discomfort caused by chronic idiopathic urticaria in individuals aged 12 years and older. It helps reduce the number of hives and alleviates itching, significantly improving the quality of life and work productivity.

Use only under the guidance of a registered healthcare provider.

Pharmacology

Fexofenadine, the active ingredient in Ritch, acts as an “inverse agonist” at the H1 histamine receptor. It works by stabilizing the receptor in an inactive state, preventing the release of histamine and inflammatory mediators that trigger allergy symptoms. It is selective for the H1 receptor and does not cross the blood-brain barrier, minimizing the risk of central nervous system side effects.

Dosage & Administration

For Allergic Rhinitis:

• Adults and Children (12+):
  • 60 mg twice daily, 120 mg once daily, or 180 mg once daily
  • In cases of impaired renal function: 60 mg once daily
• Children (6-11 years):
  • 30 mg twice daily or 60 mg once daily
  • In cases of impaired renal function: 30 mg once daily
• Children (2-11 years):
  • 30 mg (5 ml) twice daily
  • In cases of impaired renal function: 30 mg (5 ml) once daily

For Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria:

• Adults and Children (12+):
  • 60 mg twice daily, 120 mg once daily, or 180 mg once daily
  • In cases of impaired renal function: 60 mg once daily
• Children (6 months to 11 years):
  • 30 mg (5 ml) twice daily or 60 mg (1 tsp) once daily
  • In cases of impaired renal function: 30 mg (5 ml) once daily

Use as per the advice of a registered healthcare provider.

Interaction

• Ritch does not interact with liver enzymes but may interact with drugs like erythromycin or ketoconazole, leading to increased fexofenadine plasma levels.
• Antacids containing aluminum and magnesium hydroxide may decrease the bioavailability of Ritch, so it’s recommended to separate their use by at least 2 hours.

Contraindications

Ritch should not be used in individuals with hypersensitivity to fexofenadine or any of its components.

Side Effects

• Common: Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea
• Less Common: Fatigue, tachycardia, palpitations
• Rare: Hypersensitivity reactions, rash, diarrhea, pruritus

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Ritch should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary.
• It is not recommended during breastfeeding as fexofenadine may be passed into breast milk.

Precautions & Warnings

• Use with caution in elderly individuals and those with renal or hepatic impairment.
• It does not affect mental alertness but individual responses should be checked before operating vehicles or machinery.

Use in Special Populations

• Renal Impairment: Lower dosage (60 mg once daily) is recommended.
• Hepatic Impairment: Minimal impact on pharmacokinetics.
• Elderly Patients: Increased bioavailability; monitor for side effects.

Overdose Effects

Overdose symptoms include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and dry mouth. There is no known maximum tolerated dose, and symptomatic treatment is recommended. Hemodialysis is not effective in removing Ritch from the bloodstream.

Therapeutic Class

Non-sedating antihistamines

Storage Conditions

Store in a dry, cool place, away from light and heat. Keep out of reach of children.