What is Fexofenadine?
Fexofenadine, an antihistamine, is used to treat allergy symptoms in children and adults. Fexofenadine can also be used to treat hives and skin itch caused by a chronic idiopathic urticaria condition in adults and children older than 6 years. Fexofenadine acts on peripheral histamine receptors, which are not located in the central nervous system. Fexofenadine, which acts on these receptors, is less likely to cause drowsiness than some older antihistamines. Histamine, a chemical released by mast cells in response to allergens, is responsible for a number of allergy symptoms, such as watery eyelids, runny noses, itchiness, and a runny or stuffy nose. Fexofenadine is a drug that binds to histamine receptors. This prevents the histamine from affecting those receptors. It reduces allergy symptoms. Fexofenadine is available in many different brands and forms. FDA approval of fexofenadine dates back to 1996.
Warnings
Fexofenadine should not be taken with fruit juices (such as orange, apple, or grapefruit).
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to fexofenadine, then it is best not to use it.
If you suffer from:
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
Consult your doctor before taking fexofenadine while pregnant or nursing. The effects of this medication may be more pronounced in older adults. Ask your doctor before you take fexofenadine if you are over 65. This medicine could contain phenylalanine, which is harmful to people with phenylketonuria.
Similar/related drugs
prednisone, hydroxyzine, fluticasone nasal, montelukast, cetirizine, loratadine, and benadryl
How to take Fexofenadine?
Follow the directions on the package or those prescribed by your doctor when taking fexofenadine.
Follow the directions on the label of any medicine you give to your child.
- Before giving liquid fexofenadine to a child under 2 years of age, consult a physician.
- Disintegrating tablets (melting tablets) are not recommended for children younger than six years of age.
- Fexofenadine 12-hour or 24-hour is not recommended for children younger than 12 years of age.
Take this medication only in water. Take the tablet with an empty stomach. Before measuring a dose, shake the suspension. Use the provided dosing cup or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon) to measure your medicine. Fexofenadine oral disintegrating tablets must only be taken out of the packaging just before taking them. Place the tablet in your mouth and allow it to dissolve without chewing; as it dissipates, swallow several times for optimal results. If your symptoms don't improve or worsen, call your doctor. Store fexofenadine at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Liquid medicines should not be allowed to freeze.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Fexofenadine can be used as needed. You can skip any missed dose if you have a schedule. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Contact 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning and for immediate medical advice. Fexofenadine overdose symptoms include dry mouth, dizziness, or drowsiness.
What should be avoided?
Fexofenadine should not be taken with any fruit juices (such as orange, apple, or grapefruit). Fruit juices like apple, orange, or grapefruit can interfere with the absorption of fexofenadine. Avoid taking antacids within 2 hours of taking fexofenadine. Use fexofenadine only with antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium. Before using any other cold or cough medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist if they contain similar ingredients.
Side effects of Fexofenadine
If you experience symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing and/or swelling to lips, face, tongue or throat; consult a healthcare provider immediately.
Fexofenadine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, unusual tiredness);
- A cough that is new or worsening
- Pain;
- Signs of an ear infection include fever or ear pain, difficulty hearing, and drainage in the ear.
Fexofenadine side effects include:
- Headache;
- Backache
- Symptoms of a cold, such as a sore throat, a stuffy nose, and sinus pain.
There may be other side effects.Need advice regarding possible side effects? Connect with a healthcare professional right away. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Ask your doctor before taking an opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine. Before taking an opioid, sleeping pill, muscle relaxer, or medicine to treat anxiety or seizures, consult your doctor.
Before using fexofenadine in conjunction with other medications, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- Ketoconazole;
- Erythromycin.
This list is incomplete. Fexofenadine may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not encompass all possible drug interactions.
