Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can cause symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes and runny nose.
Fexofenadine is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies (hay fever) in adults and children.
Fexofenadine is also used to treat itching and hives caused by a condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children.Fexofenadine can also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What are the possible side effects of fexofenadine?
Get emergency medical care if any of these signs of an allergic reaction exhibits : hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using fexofenadine and call your doctor if you have a fever, chills, body aches, cough, or other flu symptoms.
Less serious side effects can include:
- nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach;
- menstrual cramps;
- drowsiness, tired feeling;
- headache; or
- muscle or back pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about fexofenadine?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are allergic to any medicines, or if you have any kidney disease.
Do not take fexofenadine with fruit juice (such as apple, orange, or grapefruit).
Take the disintegrating tablet on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
There may be other medicines that can affect fexofenadine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, nonprescription, vitamins and herbs. Do not start a new medicine without telling your doctor.
Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have taken too many medicines or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse after you start taking fexofenadine. Never use more than the recommended dose.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using fexofenadine?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you are allergic to medicines, or if you have kidney disease.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether fexofenadine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking this drug.
It is not known whether fexofenadine is excreted in breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Fexofenadine tablets and capsules can be used to treat seasonal allergy symptoms in children who are at least 6 years old. Fexofenadine oral suspension (liquid) can be used in children aged 2 to 11 years. In the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria, the fluid can be used in children up to 2 months old.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
How should I take fexofenadine?
Use the product as directed on the label or as directed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller quantities or for longer than recommended.
Take the regular tablet with a full glass of water. Do not use any other type of liquid.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well before measuring a dose. To make sure you get the right dose, measure the liquid with a clear measuring spoon or medicine cup, not a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist.
To take fexofenadine orally disintegrating tablets (Allegra ODT):
- Keep the tablet in the blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel the foil off the tablet package. Do not push a tablet through the foil or damage the tablet.
- Remove the tablet with dry hands and place it in your mouth. It will resolve immediately.
- Do not swallow the tablet whole. Let it dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
- Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you can drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.
Take the disintegrating tablet on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse after you start taking fexofenadine. Never use more than the recommended dose.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine bottle tightly closed.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since the necessary cold or allergy medications are used, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you take the medication regularly, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the forgotten dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek medical attention or call the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, dizziness, or drowsiness.
What should I avoid while using fexofenadine?
Avoid taking antacids within 15 minutes before or after taking a medication containing fexofenadine. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb this drug.
Fruit juices and certain antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb fexofenadine. Do not take fexofenadine with fruit juice (such as apple, orange, or grapefruit).
Avoid using other cold or allergy medications unless your doctor tells you to.
What other drugs will affect fexofenadine?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you regularly take other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medications, tranquilizers, pain killers, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, and medicines for epilepsy, depression, or anxiety). They can contribute to drowsiness caused by fexofenadine.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
- ketoconazole (Nizoral); or
- erythromycin (EES, EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocine, Pediazole).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interfere with fexofenadine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, nonprescription, vitamins and herbs. Do not start a new medicine without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about fexofenadine.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.
