acrivastine at a glance
Medicine class
Histamine H1-receptor antagonist, commonly described as a less-sedating antihistamine.
Licensed uses
Allergic rhinitis, including hay fever, and chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Administration
Swallow the capsule whole with a drink; it may be taken with or without food.
Alertness
Drowsiness and dizziness can occur despite its less-sedating classification.
What is acrivastine used for?
The selected UK products are licensed for symptomatic relief of:
Allergic rhinitis, including hay fever.
Chronic idiopathic urticaria, also called chronic hives.
How does acrivastine work?
Acrivastine competitively blocks histamine H1 receptors. This reduces histamine-driven symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itching and raised wheals.
acrivastine preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 8 mg
How to take acrivastine
Follow the product leaflet or prescriber's directions.
Swallow capsules whole with water, milk or juice.
They may be taken with or without food.
Avoid grapefruit juice because it may increase the likelihood of adverse effects.
Do not drive or operate machinery if sleepy or dizzy.
acrivastine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Sleepiness or tiredness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
Get urgent medical advice
- Hypersensitivity with facial swelling or difficulty breathing requires urgent assessment.
- Call 999 for symptoms suggesting anaphylaxis, including throat swelling, severe breathing difficulty or collapse.
acrivastine in pregnancy
Acrivastine is not usually recommended during pregnancy because human evidence is limited. A doctor or pharmacist should assess whether treatment is necessary and whether an antihistamine with more pregnancy evidence would be preferable.
acrivastine while breastfeeding
Acrivastine can be considered while breastfeeding a healthy infant, but alternatives with more evidence are generally preferred. Seek professional advice and monitor the infant for unusual sleepiness, irritability, dry mouth, poor feeding or inadequate weight gain. Avoid bed-sharing after taking a medicine that may cause drowsiness.
acrivastine interactions
Check other medicines with a pharmacist or prescriber, particularly those affecting alertness or anticholinergic effects.
Alcohol, sedatives and other central nervous system depressants
May add to drowsiness and impaired mental alertness.
Medicines causing sleepiness, dry mouth or difficulty urinating
Acrivastine may worsen these effects.
Erythromycin or ketoconazole
Product information advises caution because related antihistamines interact with these medicines, although an acrivastine interaction has not been demonstrated.
Common questions about acrivastine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
How quickly does acrivastine work?
Allergic-rhinitis relief may become apparent within about an hour, although individual response varies.
Can acrivastine make you sleepy?
Yes. It is considered less sedating than some antihistamines, but sleepiness is a very common adverse effect.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.