Fexofenadine: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Fexofenadine is a non-sedating antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a runny or itchy nose and itchy, watery eyes. It is also used for long-lasting itchy hives. It is usually taken once or twice a day and is less likely than older antihistamines to cause sleepiness.
Also known as: Fexofenadine hydrochloride, Fexofenadine tablet, Fexofenadine 120 mg, Fexofenadine 180 mg, Fexofenadine IP, Fexofenadin, Fexofenidine, Allegra
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Fexofenadine work?
Fexofenadine blocks H1 histamine receptors, so histamine released during an allergic reaction cannot cause sneezing, itching or a runny nose. Very little of it enters the brain, which is why it is called non-sedating.
How to take Fexofenadine
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Fexofenadine is usually taken with water, and the strength and number of doses a day depend on the condition and age. Doses for children, older people and people with kidney problems should be decided by a doctor.
Side effects of Fexofenadine
Fexofenadine is generally well tolerated. Headache, drowsiness, dizziness and nausea are the most common effects.
Uncommon or mild
- Headache
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, chest tightness or a sudden widespread rash
- Fast or irregular heartbeat, or fainting
- Fits (seizures), which have been reported rarely
Who should be careful
Most people can take fexofenadine, but a few need to check with a doctor first.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to fexofenadine or any ingredient of the tablet
- Kidney disease: a doctor may want to start with a lower dose
- Heart rhythm problems or heart disease
- Past allergic reaction to fexofenadine or any ingredient of the tablet
- Driving, using machines or work needing full alertness, until you know how it affects you
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: use only if a doctor advises it
- Older adults and children: give only at the dose and in the form a doctor advises
Medicines and things that interact with Fexofenadine
Fexofenadine has few interactions, but some products change how much of it is absorbed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take.
- Antacids that contain aluminium and magnesium: can reduce absorption; leave about 2 hours between doses
- Fruit juices such as grapefruit, orange and apple: can reduce absorption; take the tablet with water
- Other antihistamines: taking two together is not advised unless a doctor says so
- Erythromycin and ketoconazole: raise fexofenadine levels, though studies showed no important effect on heart rhythm
- Alcohol and sedating medicines: may add to drowsiness in some people
Effects on lab tests
- Skin allergy (prick) tests: antihistamines can weaken the skin reaction and give a false negative result
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as tablets and as a suspension for children. Single-ingredient fexofenadine is not on the CDSCO list of banned medicines, but some fixed-dose combinations containing it have been banned. Check the ingredient list and the schedule printed on the pack.
Type of medicine
Fexofenadine belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Fexofenadine
These medicines sold in India contain Fexofenadine. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Allegra 120 · 120 mg film-coated tablet
What is Fexofenadine used for?
Medicines that contain Fexofenadine are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Fexofenadine.
Common questions
What is fexofenadine used for?
Fexofenadine is used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a runny or itchy nose, and itchy, watery eyes, and, at the strength a doctor advises, long-lasting itchy hives. It eases symptoms but does not remove the allergy.
Does fexofenadine make you sleepy?
It is called non-sedating and is less likely to cause sleepiness than older antihistamines, but a few people still feel drowsy or dizzy. Until you know how it affects you, take care when driving or using machines.
Can I take fexofenadine with fruit juice?
It is better to take it with water. Grapefruit, orange and apple juice can reduce how much fexofenadine your body absorbs, so it may work less well.
Can I take fexofenadine with antacids?
Leave a gap. Antacids containing aluminium and magnesium can reduce how much is absorbed, so the label advises about 2 hours between the two. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.
What is the difference between fexofenadine and cetirizine?
Both are antihistamines used for allergy symptoms. They are different molecules, so their strength, dosing and how likely they are to cause sleepiness can differ from person to person. Which one suits you is a decision for your doctor or pharmacist.
Is fexofenadine safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Ask your doctor first. The label says to use it in pregnancy only if clearly needed, and information on breastfeeding is limited. Do not start or stop any allergy medicine on your own during pregnancy.
Sources
- Allegra (fexofenadine hydrochloride) tablets and oral suspension: product information. Sanofi India
- Fexofenadine. NHS (UK)
- Side effects of fexofenadine. NHS (UK)
- Common questions about fexofenadine. NHS (UK)
- Taking fexofenadine with other medicines and herbal supplements. NHS (UK)
- Fexofenadine. StatPearls, National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), US National Library of Medicine
- ATC/DDD Index: R06AX26 fexofenadine. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)