Fexofenadine Fact Card
Fexofenadine is a type of non sedating antihistamine which is often used for hayfever, allergies and allergy related skin reactions.
| Brands | Telfast, Allegra. |
| Used For | Hayfever, allergies and allergy related skin reactions. |
| Doseage | 120-180mg daily |
| Side Effects | headache, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea |
| Warnings | Do not take with other antihistamines or at the same time as Antacid medication. |
| Pregnancy | Avoid in pregnancy unless essential |
Fexofenadine is a type of non sedating antihistamine which is often used for hayfever, allergies and allergy related skin reactions (hives or urticaria).
What is Fexofenadine used to treat?
Fexofenadine is used to treat the symptoms of hayfever, allergies and allergy related skin reactions.
How does Fexofenadine work?
Antihistamines mainly work against chemicals in the body called histamines. These are produced in response to injury or inflammation of the cells in the body. In allergic conditions such as hayfever, these histamines are unnecessarily produced and give rise to symptoms such as sneezing and itchy eyes.
Fexofenadine starts to work within 1 hour reaching maximum effect after 6 hours. The effects last for 24 hours.
How do I take Fexofenadine?
Fexofenadine comes in 120mg and 180mg tablets. The usual recommended dose is 180mg tablet taken daily before a meal. However you should follow your doctor's instructions on how to take this medication.
Side effects of Fexofenadine
The most commonly reported side effects are:
- headache
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- nausea
Fexofenadine rarely causes fatigue.
Things to avoid
Certain medications such as antacids for indigestion can reduce the efficacy of fexofenadine if taken at the same time. It is advised to leave a 2 hour gap inbetween these medicines.
Fexofenadine and alcohol
There is no known interaction between fexofenadine and alcohol but if you experience tiredness/drowsiness with fexofenadine then alcohol will worsen this.
Can I take Fexofenadine when pregnant?
There is limited research into the safety of fexofenadine during pregnancy. It is best avoided unless absolutely necessary. Discuss with your doctor if you think you may need to take this medication.
Fexofenadine and breastfeeding
Fexofenadine is best avoided during breastfeeding as it is known to cross over into breast milk.