Reviewed by Virginia Chachati MPharm
(2013, University College London)
GPhC Registration number: 2087654
Information last reviewed 13/02/21
Telfast (fexofenadine) is an antihistamine used to treat allergies, including hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis), allergic conjunctivitis, eczema and reactions to insect bites or stings. You can request to buy Telfast from Dr Felix.
Telfast contains the active ingredient fexofenadine which works by preventing the action of histamine. The body produces histamine in reaction to the presence of allergens, such as pollen or pet fur. Therefore, Fexofenadine blocks the histamine receptors which prevents symptoms such as itchy skin and eyes, runny nose, and scratchy throat.
Dose |
One tablet once daily |
Type of Medicine | Non-drowsy antihistamine |
Mechanism |
Blocks the action of histamine, preventing allergic reactions |
Available Size |
30, 60 or 90 tablets |
Available Strengths |
120mg |
Active Ingredient |
Fexofenadine hydrochloride |
Price | From 44p per tablet |
Side Effects | Can include headache, drowsiness, tiredness, diziness, nausea, skin rashes, hives, insomnia |
The active ingredient in Telfast is fexofenadine hydrochloride.
The inactive ingredients in Telfast are microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinised maise starch, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, povidone K30, titanium dioxide (E171), colloidal anhydrous silica, macrogol 400, red iron oxide (E172) and yellow iron oxide (E172).
Telfast is a branded version of Fexofenadine. Generic Fexofenadine may contain different inactive ingredients.
Telfast can be taken with water. Always swallow Telfast whole, do not chew, crush or break up the tablet. Take one tablet once a day. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
For adults and children aged 12 years and over, you should take one 120mg tablet as prescribed. In some cases, you may be prescribed a 180mg tablet instead. Always take Telfast as prescribed. Telfast can begin working within one hour and last for 24 hours.
The recommended dose of Telfast is 120mg. If your symptoms are not sufficiently controlled by one 120mg tablet per day, you may be prescribed the 180mg tablet instead.
Like all medicines, Telfast can cause side effects in some patients. If you experience any severe allergic reaction symptoms stop taking Telfast and seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing.
Common side effects, affecting up to one in ten patients, include:
In up to one in every 100 people, Telfast may cause some drowsiness. The frequency of the following side effects cannot be estimated from the available data:
Telfast can cause side effects, but there are some measures you can take if you do experience them.
Nausea can be avoided by eating simple low-fat meals. If you experience headaches or dizziness, lay down for a while and take painkillers if necessary. You can try chewing sugar-free gum to help with a dry mouth.
Telfast is less likely to cause drowsiness than other antihistamines, but it is still possible. If you experience drowsiness when taking Telfast, a different non-drowsy antihistamine may be better for you.
Do NOT take Telfast if you are allergic to fexofenadine or any of the other ingredients in this medicine. Before taking Telfast, tell your doctor or pharmacist if:
A number of medications could interact with Telfast. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications. This includes herbal remedies and treatments purchased over the counter or without a prescription.
You should wait approximately two hours between taking Telfast and any indigestion treatments containing aluminium or magnesium. Taking these medications too close together may reduce the absorption of fexofenadine.
Do not drink alcohol when taking Telfast or other antihistamines, as this can cause drowsiness. This is particularly important if you intend to drive or operate heavy machinery. Never drive or operate heavy machinery when experiencing fatigue or drowsiness.
Telfast may cause dizziness or drowsiness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you experience these side effects.
Telfast contains fexofenadine. Fexofenadine is not recommended for use during pregnancy as the potential risks are not yet understood. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about other antihistamines which may be more suitable for you.
Never take two hay fever treatments together without first consulting a doctor or pharmacist. Depending upon your symptoms, you may be able to take Telfast alongside eye drops and steroid nasal sprays such as Beconase, Avamys, Rhinolast and Dymista. For severe symptoms, a doctor may prescribe taking two different antihistamines together. If your allergy symptoms are affecting your sleep, your doctor may advise you to take a sedating antihistamine before you go to bed.
Telfast is a brand name for the generic drug fexofenadine. They both contain the active ingredient fexofenadine and work in the same way to relieve symptoms of hay fever.
Telfast works similarly to other non-drowsy antihistamines, such as Cetirizine, Acrivastine and Loratadine. Fexofenadine is less likely to make you drowsy than other non-drowsy antihistamines.
Telfast can be used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever, eczema, allergic conjunctivitis and reactions to insect bites and stings.
Telfast can be taken for an extended period of time, such as treating hay fever during months when the pollen count is high. It can also be taken on one-off occasions, such as in the event of a troublesome insect bite. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure how long you should be taking Telfast for.
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