Fexofenadine (By mouth)
fex-oh-FEN-a-deen
Treats hay fever symptoms and chronic skin hives and itching.
Drug classes
Respiratory Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Fexofenadine is an antihistamine. It is used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) and hives of the skin (chronic idiopathic urticaria) .
Antihistamines work by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Also, in some people histamine can close up the bronchial tubes (air passages of the lungs) and make breathing difficult. Histamine can also cause some people to have hives, with severe itching of the skin .
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription .
Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years of age. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects .
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, Dissolving Tablet, Long Acting Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
It is best to take the tablet with water.
Shake the oral liquid well before using. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Take the oral disintegrating tablet on an empty stomach.
Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the disintegrating tablet. Peel back the foil from the blister pack, then remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. After it has melted, swallow or take a drink of water. Do not chew or break the tablet.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines and foods can affect how fexofenadine works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
Erythromycin KetoconazoleIf you use an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium, take it at least 15 minutes before or after you take fexofenadine.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit, orange, or apple juice while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to fexofenadine or terfenadine.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or a condition called phenylketonuria (PKU).
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or doing anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Allegra, Allegra Allergy, Allegra ODT, Allergy 24Hr, Children’s Allegra Allergy, Children’s Allergy Fexofenadine HCl, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Allergy Relief, Leader Aller-Ease, Rite Aid Allergy Relief, Sunmark Fexofenadine Hydrochloride, TopCare 24-Hour Fexofenadine Hydrochloride, WAL-FEX ALLERGY, Wal-Fex
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
