Fexofenadine Tablets - Uses, Side Effects, Precautions and FAQs
Uses
Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that may be used to treat allergy symptoms (including hay fever) in adults and children.
Fexofenadine is also used to treat skin itching and hives caused by a condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children who are at least 6 years old.
Fexofenadine works selectively on histamine-1 receptors that are located in our body, but not in our central nervous system - these are called peripheral histamine receptors. Because it acts on these receptors, fexofenadine is much less likely to cause drowsiness compared with some older antihistamines.
Histamine is a chemical that is released by mast cells in response to an allergen, and it is responsible for many allergy symptoms, such as watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, and itching. Fexofenadine binds to histamine receptors and prevents histamine from having an effect on those receptors, which reduces allergy symptoms.
There are many brands and forms of fexofenadine available.
Fexofenadine was FDA approved in 1996.
Side Effects
Like all medicines, fexofenadine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of fexofenadine happen in more than 1 in 100 people.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- feeling sleepy
- headaches
- dry mouth
- feeling dizzy
Serious side effects
It's rare to have a serious side effect with fexofenadine.
Precautions
Before taking fexofenadine,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to fexofenadine, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in fexofenadine tablets or suspension. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention either of the following: erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin) and ketoconazole (Nizoral). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- if you are taking an antacid containing aluminum or magnesium (Maalox, Mylanta, others), take the antacid a few hours before or after fexofenadine.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking fexofenadine, call your doctor.
What is this medication?
FEXOFENADINE (fex oh FEN a deen) prevents and treats allergy symptoms, such as red, itchy eyes, sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, or hives. It works by blocking histamine, a substance released by the body during an allergic reaction. It belongs to a group of medications called antihistamines.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Allegra, Allegra Allergy 12 Hour, Allegra Allergy 24 Hour, Allegra Children's Allergy, Allergy Relief
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Kidney disease
- An unusual or allergic reaction to fexofenadine, terfenadine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medication with food or on an empty stomach. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. You may need to take this medication for several days before your symptoms improve.
Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others
