Fexofenadine at a glance
Medicine class
Less-sedating H1 antihistamine.
Licensed use
Chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over.
How to swallow it
Swallow the tablet whole with water, not apple, orange or grapefruit juice.
Drowsiness
Less likely to cause sleepiness than sedating antihistamines, but drowsiness and dizziness can occur.
What is Fexofenadine used for?
The selected film-coated tablet is licensed for:
Relief of symptoms associated with chronic idiopathic urticaria, including allergic itching, swelling and rash, in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over.
How does Fexofenadine work?
Histamine activates H1 receptors during an allergic response, contributing to itching, swelling and rash. Fexofenadine blocks peripheral H1 receptors and has relatively little penetration into the brain.
Fexofenadine preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 30 mg, 120 mg, 180 mg
How to take Fexofenadine
Follow the product leaflet or prescriber's instructions.
Take the selected tablet by mouth before a meal.
Swallow it whole with water rather than apple, orange or grapefruit juice, which can reduce absorption.
Do not drive, cycle or operate machinery if it makes you sleepy or dizzy.
Fexofenadine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Feeling sick
Get urgent medical advice
- Fast or irregular heartbeat requiring prompt clinical assessment
- Serious hypersensitivity, including facial or throat swelling, chest tightness, breathing difficulty or anaphylaxis
Fexofenadine in pregnancy
Use the selected product during pregnancy only on a doctor's advice. Available evidence does not suggest fetal harm, but experience is limited and other antihistamines may be preferred. Exposure alone does not normally require additional fetal monitoring.
Fexofenadine while breastfeeding
Fexofenadine may be considered cautiously after professional advice, although cetirizine or loratadine are generally preferred. Monitor the infant for unusual sleepiness, irritability, poor feeding or inadequate weight gain and seek advice if these occur.
Fexofenadine interactions
Check other medicines with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important examples include:
Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium
They can reduce fexofenadine absorption.
Apple, orange or grapefruit juice
These drinks can reduce absorption and make fexofenadine less effective; use water instead.
Erythromycin or ketoconazole
These P-glycoprotein inhibitors can increase fexofenadine exposure, although studied increases were not accompanied by QT changes or more adverse reactions.
Common questions about Fexofenadine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
How quickly does fexofenadine start working?
Improvement may begin within one to two hours, although response varies.
Can fexofenadine make me sleepy?
Yes. It is less sedating than many older antihistamines, but drowsiness can occur.
Can I drive after taking fexofenadine?
Check how it affects you first. Do not drive, cycle or use machinery if you feel sleepy, dizzy or unable to concentrate safely.
Can I drink alcohol with fexofenadine?
It is best avoided because alcohol may increase sleepiness.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.