Fexofenadine
1 medicine
Fexofenadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine for hay fever and hives. Take it with water rather than fruit juice, since apple, orange and grapefruit juice reduce how much of the drug your body absorbs.
Key facts
- Fexofenadine is a second-generation antihistamine that relieves sneezing, itching, watery eyes and hives without causing much drowsiness.
- You take it once or twice daily, ideally on an empty stomach for the fastest effect.
- Take it with water, not fruit juice: apple, orange and grapefruit juice all reduce how much fexofenadine your body absorbs and can make it less effective.
- Seek urgent care for swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing.
What fexofenadine treats
Fexofenadine treats seasonal and year-round allergic rhinitis, the sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes caused by pollen, dust mites or pet dander. It also treats chronic urticaria (hives), reducing the number and itch of raised welts on the skin.
How fexofenadine works
Allergic symptoms happen when histamine, released from immune cells, binds to receptors in the nose, eyes and skin, triggering swelling, itching and mucus production. Fexofenadine blocks these histamine receptors, so histamine can't deliver its signal. It crosses very little into the brain, which is why it causes far less drowsiness than older antihistamines.
Before you take it
- Tell your pharmacist if you have severe kidney disease; your dose may need to be lower.
- Avoid taking fexofenadine within a few hours of antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium, which can reduce its absorption.
- Mention pregnancy or breastfeeding to your prescriber before starting.
- Fexofenadine is often preferred over older antihistamines if you need to drive or operate machinery, since drowsiness is uncommon.
Side effects
Common effects include headache, nausea, dizziness and fatigue, and are usually mild.
Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
- Sudden difficulty breathing or wheezing.
- A fast or irregular heartbeat.
Safety essentials
- Stick to water when you take your dose. Fruit juice cuts the amount absorbed and can leave your allergy symptoms undertreated.
- Fexofenadine was developed to avoid the heart-rhythm risk seen with an older antihistamine, but doses above the recommended amount should still be avoided.
- If a dose stops working as allergy season worsens, don't double up. Ask your pharmacist whether a nasal spray or eye drops should be added instead.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.