Fexofenadine brands and prices in Pakistan

About Fexofenadine

Fexofenadine is an antihistamine, a medicine that eases allergy symptoms. It works by blocking histamine, a chemical the body releases during an allergic reaction that causes sneezing, itching and rashes. It is called a non-drowsy antihistamine because it is less likely to make you sleepy than older antihistamines, although some people still feel sleepy on it. It comes as tablets, and in some countries also as a liquid or tablets that melt in the mouth.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not take it if you have ever had an allergic reaction to fexofenadine or any of the other ingredients.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist first if you have liver or kidney problems.
• Tell your doctor first if you have or have had heart disease, as this type of medicine may cause a fast or uneven heartbeat.
• Older people should talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking it.
• If you are due to have an allergy test, tell the clinic. Fexofenadine can affect the result, so you may need to stop it for a short time before the test.
• Pregnancy: it is best not taken in pregnancy unless a doctor says it is needed. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or trying for a baby.
• Breastfeeding: it is not recommended while breastfeeding. Ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Some tablets contain lactose, and some mouth-melting tablets contain aspartame. Check with your doctor if you have a sugar intolerance or phenylketonuria (PKU).

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• Indigestion remedies (antacids) containing aluminium or magnesium can stop fexofenadine being absorbed properly. Keep them apart; your pharmacist will tell you how long a gap to leave.
• Apalutamide (a prostate cancer medicine) may make fexofenadine work less well.
• Other antihistamines: do not take two together unless a doctor advises it.
• Steroid nose sprays (such as beclometasone, budesonide or fluticasone) and allergy eye drops can be used with fexofenadine.
• Fruit juices: grapefruit, orange and apple juice can make it work less well, so avoid them while taking it.
• Alcohol is best avoided, as it can make you sleepier.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines you take, including ones you buy and herbal remedies.

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Take it with water, not fruit juice.
• Wait until you know how it affects you before driving, cycling or using tools or machines. Do not drive if you feel sleepy or dizzy.
• If you feel sick, eat simple meals and avoid rich or spicy food.
• If it makes you dizzy, sit or lie down until it passes, then get up slowly.
• For hay fever, it can also help to keep windows and doors closed when pollen is high, avoid cutting or walking on grass, wear wraparound sunglasses, and shower and change clothes after being outside.
• If one antihistamine does not help you, another one may. Ask a pharmacist.
• Store it out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use it after the expiry date, and take unused medicine back to a pharmacy rather than throwing it away.

Common questions

Will fexofenadine make me sleepy?
It is a non-drowsy antihistamine and is less likely to cause sleepiness than older ones such as chlorphenamine. Some people still feel sleepy on it, so see how it affects you before driving or using machines.

How quickly does it work?
It usually starts to ease allergy symptoms fairly soon after the first dose. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Why should I avoid fruit juice?
Grapefruit, orange and apple juice can reduce how much of the medicine your body takes in, so it may not work as well. Take it with water instead.

Will it affect my contraception?
No. NHS advice says fexofenadine does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.

Is it safe to take for a long time?
Long-term use is unlikely to cause harm, but it is best to take it only for as long as you need it.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.