Fexofenadine in Allergic Rhinitis Therapy
Honors Capstone Project
1
Advisor(s)
Dr. Karen Kier
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Paper
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
21-4-2026 2:45 PM
End Date
21-4-2026 3:00 PM
Abstract
Fexofenadine (Allegra) came to market in 1996 as a prescription second-generation H1 antihistamine. This non-sedating antihistamine became an over-the-counter product in 2011 and has since been widely used for allergic rhinitis. The goal of this capstone is to investigate the evidence supporting this drug compared to others on the market which could serve as alternatives. This project culminates with a formulary recommendation comparing fexofenadine to loratadine and fluticasone, two other commonly used drugs for allergic rhinitis. Additionally, this capstone will investigate how environmental factors such as climate change and air pollution contribute to the rising number of cases and severity of allergic rhinitis. Recent literature highlights that environmental exposures, such as diesel exhaust particles, can worsen symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Evidence from clinical studies demonstrates that fexofenadine not only provides effective H1 receptor blocking but also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, further improving the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. In environmental exposure studies, fexofenadine significantly improved total nasal symptom scores in patients experiencing both allergen and pollution induced symptom exacerbations of allergic rhinitis. This capstone will review the efficacy, safety, and quality-of-life outcomes when using fexofenadine and compare these findings with loratadine and fluticasone. The role of environmental factors in allergic rhinitis will also be studied and influence the final clinical evidence evaluation and formulary decision.
Recommended Citation
McDorman, Lily G., "Fexofenadine in Allergic Rhinitis Therapy" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 3.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Papers/3
Restricted
Available to ONU community via local IP address and ONU login.
Fexofenadine in Allergic Rhinitis Therapy
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Fexofenadine (Allegra) came to market in 1996 as a prescription second-generation H1 antihistamine. This non-sedating antihistamine became an over-the-counter product in 2011 and has since been widely used for allergic rhinitis. The goal of this capstone is to investigate the evidence supporting this drug compared to others on the market which could serve as alternatives. This project culminates with a formulary recommendation comparing fexofenadine to loratadine and fluticasone, two other commonly used drugs for allergic rhinitis. Additionally, this capstone will investigate how environmental factors such as climate change and air pollution contribute to the rising number of cases and severity of allergic rhinitis. Recent literature highlights that environmental exposures, such as diesel exhaust particles, can worsen symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Evidence from clinical studies demonstrates that fexofenadine not only provides effective H1 receptor blocking but also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, further improving the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. In environmental exposure studies, fexofenadine significantly improved total nasal symptom scores in patients experiencing both allergen and pollution induced symptom exacerbations of allergic rhinitis. This capstone will review the efficacy, safety, and quality-of-life outcomes when using fexofenadine and compare these findings with loratadine and fluticasone. The role of environmental factors in allergic rhinitis will also be studied and influence the final clinical evidence evaluation and formulary decision.