Fexofenadine is an antihistamine medication.
Pronunciation: FEX-oh-FEN-ah-deen
What are fexofenadine’s uses?
Fexofenadine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies – usually hay fever – such as watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy throat and hives (urticaria).
It eases symptoms by blocking certain substances (histamines) in the body that are produced during an allergic reaction.
What dosage should you take?
The typical dosage for adults for an allergic reaction is 120mg daily. If you have chronic hives, the typical dosage is 180mg daily.
In children two to 11 years old, the typical dosage to treat hay fever is 30mg twice daily. In children six months to two years old, the typical dosage to treat chronic hives is 15mg twice a day, in children two to 11 years, the typical dosage is 30mg twice a day.
Fexofenadine should be used with extreme caution in children younger than six months.
However, always discuss correct dosages with your Clicks pharmacist first.
What special precautions should you take?
- If you are taking an antacid containing aluminium or magnesium, do not take at the same time as fexofenadine – rather take it an hour before or after.
- If you are pregnant, only take fexofenadine if your doctor has determined that the benefits outweigh the risks.
- Consult your doctor or Clicks pharmacist before taking fexofenadine while breastfeeding.
- If you are elderly, consult your doctor or Clicks pharmacist before taking fexofenadine.
- Avoid alcohol while taking fexofenadine as it may lead to side effects such as drowsiness.
- Fexofenadine should be avoided if you are allergic to it.
Fexofenadine should be used with caution if you have any of the following conditions:
- Difficulty passing urine
- Kidney or liver impairment
- Cardiovascular (heart) problems
- Epilepsy
- Chronic bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Asthma
What drug interactions could you experience?
To avoid adverse drug interactions, always inform your doctor or Clicks pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or planning to take.
What are fexofenadine’s side effects?
Side effects could include:
If you experience any of the following side effects, seek medical help immediately:
- Hives
- Rash
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, throat or eyes
- Difficulty swallowing
What are the overdose symptoms?
Call a doctor or an ambulance immediately if you suspect you or someone you know has taken an overdose of fexofenadine. Overdose symptoms could include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth