Fexofenadine

Fexofenadine is a strong non-drowsy prescription-only antihistamine medicine and is sold in tablet form. It is available in 120mg and 180mg strengths. It is used to help relieve allergy symptoms such as hay fever, hives, bites and stinks and some food allergies. Fexofenadine works by blocking the effects of a natural hormone called histamine. Histamine is part of your immune response when an allergen comes in contact with your body. It can cause symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, running or blocked nose, sneezing or skin rashes. Fexofenadine can take effect within an hour and can be taken to prevent and treat symptoms all year round or seasonal allergies.

Fexofenadine comes in 120mg and 180mg tablets. The strength you take depends on why you are taking it. The usual dose for treating hay fever and allergies in adults is 120mg once a day. For hives or itchy skin lasting 6 weeks or more the dose for adults is 180mg once a day. The dose may be lower for patients with other medical issues or for children. You should take fexofenadine before a meal. We recommend you take fexofenadine at a similar time every day. If you miss a dose, then take it as soon as you remember but do not take 2 doses at the same time. You can take fexofenadine with a drink of water and swallow them whole do not chew them.

Like all medicines, fexofenadine can cause side effects although not everyone gets them. The most common side effects are headaches, feeling sleepy, dry mouth, feeling sick and dizziness. The full list of side effects is available in the patient information leaflet.

If your feeling sick trying sticking to simple smaller portion meals avoiding rich, fatty or spicy foods.

If your feeling sleepy try taking a different non drowsy antihistamine like cetirizine, loratadine, or desloratadine. Or take the tablets at night.

If you have a headache make sure you drink at least 2 litres of water a day and rest it out. Avoid drinking alcohol as this can make the headache worse. Take a painkiller like paracetamol.

If you have a dry mouth chew a piece of gum or suck on some sweets.

If your feel dizzy try lying down until you do not feel dizzy anymore or move around slowly and carefully. If the dizziness doesn’t improve then call The Family Chemist clinician.

Taking Fexofenadine is not recommended if you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant. There is not enough data on the harmful effects of fexofenadine on the fetus and therefore should be avoided.

Fexofenadine can be taken whilst breastfeeding however it is important that you advise your clinician of your intentions. There is a small amount excreted into the breast milk but it is unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby. The Family Chemist recommended using loratadine or cetirizine whilst breastfeeding compared to Fexofenadine. If you find that the baby is not feeding as usual or seems unhappy then stop using antihistamines and consult your doctor or The Family Chemist clinician. For more information on how fexofenadine can affect you and your baby please visit the BUMPs website.

Although fexofenadine can be taken by children aged 6 years and over we only offer it to adults over 18 years old.

Fexofenadine should be avoided in the following patients:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to fexofenadine or any other medicine
• have problems with your liver or kidneys
• have, or have ever had, heart problems
• have epilepsy or another health condition that puts you at risk of seizures or fits
• are due to have an allergy test – taking fexofenadine may affect the results, so you might need to stop taking it a few days before the test

Fexofenadine may interact with other medicines and therefore increase the chance of having side effects. It is important to accurately answer all questions honestly on The Family Chemist consultation form. You may still be able to take fexofenadine but in lower strengths. The clinican will call you to discuss these options. The common interactions include:

• ketoconazole
• dronedarone
• erythromycin
• leflunomide
• rifampicin
• indigestion remedies containing aluminium or magnesium. Fexofenadine can be taken atleast 2 hours before and after your indigestion medicine.
• any medicines that make you drowsy, dry mouth or difficulty in urinating.
• Herbal medicines.

Fexofenadine interacts with fruit juices such as grapefruit, orange and apple juice and therefore should be avoided as it lowers the effectiveness of fexofenadine.

Fexofenadine is a generic drug name which normally is lower cost and formulated similarly to branded medicines. Telfast is a branded medication that contains the active ingredient fexofenadine.

Fexofenadine is a second generation non sedating antihistamine. The drowsiness side effect profile mimics that of loratadine and therefore is fairly safe. Cetirizine is more drowsy than fexofenadine and chlorphenamine is a sedating antihistamine and therefore has the highest risk of making you feel sleepy.

Antihistamine effect: Research shows that choosing the best hayfever or allergy treatment is based on trial and error. There is no right or wrong answer. People have an individual responses to antihistamine medicines and some may work better for you compared to others.