Reviewed by Virginia Chachati MPharm
(2013, University College London)
GPhC Registration number: 2087654
Information last reviewed 28/02/21
Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that comes in tablet form. It’s used to treat a number of allergies including hay fever, conjunctivitis, eczema and insect bites or stings.
Fexofenadine blocks histamine receptors to prevent histamine from causing an allergic reaction. Histamine is a chemical that you naturally produce in response to the presence of an allergen, such as pollen; it's what causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction to occur, setting off a chain reaction within the body. Fexofenadine stops these symptoms from getting worse or occurring in the first place.
Fexofenadine will start to work within one or two hours.
Fexofenadine is a prescription only medicine and can be more effective than over the counter treatments you can buy from a pharmacy.
Fexofenadine hydrochloride is the active ingredient in Fexofenadine tablets.
The inactive ingredients in Fexofenadine tablets are: powdered cellulose, mannitol (E421), maize starch, croscarmellose sodium, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate.
Tablet coating: opadry pink film-coating mixture containing hypromellose (E464), titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol 400, allura red AC lake (FD&C Red #40) (E129), and iron oxide, black (E172).
Please Note: Different generic brands of Fexofenadine may contain different inactive ingredients. Please read the patient information leaflet provided for further details
Always take Fexofenadine as prescribed by your doctor. Fexofenadine is typically taken once a day. A Fexofenadine tablet should be swallowed whole with water before food.
Fexofenadine comes in three strengths; 30 mg, 120 mg or 180 mg. Adults and children over 12 years old can take either 120 mg or 180 mg once a day. Children between 6 years old and 11 years old typically take 30 mg twice a day. Fexofenadine is not recommended for children under 6 years old.
Fexofenadine tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not split or crush Fexofenadine tablets unless it specifies on the packet that it's suitable to do so. Crushing or splitting a Fexofenadine tablet can affect how it is absorbed by the body, and it may not work as expected.
Fexofenadine is a prescription only medicine and its effects can last longer than other antihistamines which may be available over the counter at a pharmacy. In general, the medicine and dose you are prescribed will be specific to your allergy, the severity of it and the symptoms you experience.
Common side effects which may occur after taking Fexofenadine include:
If your heart rate increases or you experience heart palpitations after taking it then seek emergency medical attention.
The signs of an allergic reaction include:
If you experience an allergic reaction to Fexofenadine, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Fexofenadine may not be suitable if:
Let your doctor know if any of these circumstances apply.
The following medicines may interact with Fexofenadine:
If Fexofenadine makes you feel sick then avoid high fat, oily or spicy foods until you feel better. Drink plenty of water or consider taking a painkiller if you get a headache. While Fexofenadine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, it can cause drowsiness in some people. If this continues then you should speak to your doctor to switch to an alternative antihistamine.
Drinking alcohol should be avoided while taking Fexofenadine as it can make you feel sleepy.
When you start taking Fexofenadine you should wait to see how it affects you before you drive. Fexofenadine can cause drowsiness in some people and in this case you should not drive
Both hormonal and non-hormonal types of contraception are not affected by Fexofenadine.
Fexofenadine is not known to affect fertility in either men or women.
Fexofenadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine. This means it's less likely to make you feel drowsy in comparison to other hay fever treatments. However, Fexofenadine can make some people drowsy or sleepy as a side effect, although it is uncommon.
There are lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your hay fever symptoms. These include spending less time outdoors when the pollen count is high, closing your windows at home and not keeping fresh flowers in the house. When outdoors, wear wraparound sunglasses and avoid walking over freshly cut grass to avoid contact with pollen that can trigger your hay fever symptoms. Smoking can also make hay fever feel worse, so you may want to cut down or quit.
Fexofenadine can be used alongside other hay fever treatments such as eye drops or nasal sprays. You should not take Fexofenadine with other oral antihistamines. Always check with your doctor before taking multiple medicines at the same time.
Yes, Fexofenadine can be used to treat eczema, hives, insect bites or stings, allergic conjunctivitis and certain types of food allergies.
You should only use Fexofenadine as prescribed by your doctor. Fexofenadine is unlikely to cause any harm if it's used for a long period of time. Depending on the nature of your allergy, you may only need to use it for a short time.
Fexofenadine is a more potent antihistamine than those available over the counter at a pharmacy. For this reason, it is only available on prescription if your doctor thinks it will help you.
Fexofenadine is a stronger type of medication than most antihistamines which is why it is not available over the counter.
Carrying medicines and controlled substances when travelling to Qatar is highly regulated. You may need to apply electronically for permission to take your medicines with your prior to travel. For certain medicines, this does not apply but you will still need to ensure you bring the prescription with you and any other relevant documents.
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