Fexofenadine (
Allegra®) is a prescription medication used to treat seasonal
allergies and chronic hives. It is part of a class of medicines called antihistamines.
Side Effects of Fexofenadine
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with fexofenadine. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. In most cases, if side effects occur, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
Based on clinical studies, the most common side effects occurring in either adults or children are:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking It?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking fexofenadine if you:
- Have kidney disease
- Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant (see Allegra and Pregnancy)
- Are breastfeeding
- Have any allergies, including allergies to fexofenadine.
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines,
antacids, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Finally, make sure to contact your healthcare provider or call an ambulance immediately if you experience any breathing problems or difficulty swallowing.
What Is Fexofenadine Used For?
Fexofenadine has been licensed for several uses in adults and children six years of age and older. These uses include:
- Relief of seasonal allergy symptoms (hay fever)
- Treatment of chronic (long-term) hives and itching, known as chronic urticaria.
When you come into contact with something you're allergic to, a chain reaction begins inside your body. During this chain reaction, specialized cells release powerful chemicals. Some of these chemicals can trigger swelling of the nasal passages leading to nasal congestion (a stuffy nose). Other chemicals, such as histamine, can cause sneezing, itching, and irritation.
Fexofenadine is classified as an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of histamine (hence, its classification as an antihistamine). This can relieve allergy symptoms. However, since histamine is not the cause of nasal congestion, this medication will not help open nasal passages.
Prior to the approval of fexofenadine in the United States, a number of clinical studies were conducted on over 4,500 adults and children to determine the safety and effectiveness of the drug. These studies analyzed the effects on both seasonal allergy symptoms and chronic hives. In these studies, people taking fexofenadine experienced relief of their symptoms compared to a group of people who did not take the medicine.
Allergy relief was measured based on a symptom score that rated changes in the following symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy nose or throat
- Itchy, watery, or red eyes.
Improvement in symptoms was seen between one and three hours after taking the drug.
For chronic hives, the symptom score measured changes in itching and the number of hives.
When and How Do I Take It?
General considerations for when and how to take fexofenadine include the following:
- The medication comes in tablets, orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs), and oral suspension (liquid). It is taken by mouth, usually once or twice daily.
- The orally disintegrating tablets rapidly dissolve on the tongue. Be sure to swallow (either with or without water) after the tablet has dissolved.
- Be sure to shake the oral suspension well just before each dose.
- You can take both the tablets and oral suspension forms with or without food. However, the orally disintegrating tablets should be taken on an empty stomach.
- Fexofenadine should not be taken with fruit juices, as juice may affect the way your body handles the medication.
- For fexofenadine to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Allergy symptoms will most likely return if you stop taking it.
The dose of fexofenadine your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- The severity of your symptoms
- Other medical conditions you have
- Other medications you are taking.
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so.
What If I Take an Overdose?
If you overdose on fexofenadine, seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include:
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness.
How Should Fexofenadine Be Stored?
Fexofenadine should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take a dose of fexofenadine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosing schedule. Never take a double dose.
Fexofenadine is manufactured by several different makers of generic drugs.
Fexofenadine is available in the following strengths and forms:
- Fexofenadine 30 mg tablets
- Fexofenadine 60 mg tablets
- Fexofenadine 180 mg tablets
- Fexofenadine ODT 30 mg tablets (orally disintegrating)
- Fexofenadine oral suspension, which contains 30 mg of medication per 5 mL or per teaspoonful.
Some forms of fexofenadine are available in generic forms, while others are available only as brand-name
Allegra. Fexofenadine is not available over-the-counter (without a prescription).
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