Studies show that 1 in every 5 people gets allergies. They develop when the human body’s immune system reacts aggressively to an otherwise harmless substance. This harmless substance is known as an allergen.

Fexofenadine is a non-drowsy medication that alleviates allergy symptoms like hay fever in children and adults. It falls under a class of drugs known as antihistamines and can be used to counter a variety of conditions, including some food allergies, itchy/runny nose and eyes, hives, insect bites and stings, and eczema.

This medicine is sold under the brand names Allegra, Allegra-D (12-hour), Allegra-D (24-hour), Children’s Allegra Allergy, and Mucinex Allergy and comes in liquid form and tablets.

Fexofenadine works by inhibiting the peripheral histamine receptors located within our bodies. Since this particular type of receptor isn’t in the central nervous system, this drug is much less likely to induce drowsiness. That said, it has been reported that a select group of people still get drowsy upon the use of this drug.

Before taking Fexofenadine

Before using Fexofenadine, there are a couple of things worth taking note of. Listed below is a list of these facts and precautions:

  • Your best bet is to avoid alcohol while using Fexofenadine as this may cause you to feel sleepy.
  • Orange juice, grape juice, and apple juice are a no-no when under medication with Fexofenadine. These liquids increase your chances of experiencing side effects.
  • The most common side effects include dizziness, parched mouth, headaches, nausea, and drowsiness.
  • You should not use Fexofenadine if you are allergic to the drug. Talk to your doctor about the safety of using this medication if you have liver or kidney disease, are pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • Age-advanced individuals may be more susceptible to the effects of this drug. If you are 65 or older, discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Do not use this medicine if you have a history of epilepsy or any health condition that increases your risk of developing fits or seizures.

How to use Fexofenadine

If you’re using over-the-counter Fexofenadine for self-treatment, try to follow the directions exactly as written on the label. If you are using it on a prescription, follow the doctor or pharmacist’s directions.

If you are taking the liquid form of this medication, shake the bottle properly, and measure each dose using a special spoon or measuring device, usually provided on the bottlecap or within the pack. The cutlery spoon is inappropriate to use to measure out doses because you may not get the accurate dosage.

The tablet or capsule state of this drug can be taken with or without food. Do not go against the directions of using the medication by increasing your dose or taking the medication more frequently than directed. Your prescription for this drug will be determined based on your medical history and condition, age, and response to treatment.

This medicine is produced in varying strengths: 30mg, 120mg, and 180mg tablets, with a 30mg/ml oral suspension, respectively. How much you take will depend on the nature and severity of your ailment.

  • The disintegrating tablets are to be used on an empty stomach and are suitable for children six years and older.
  • If your child is younger than two years of age, consult a specialist before administering Fexofenadine.
  • The orally melting (disintegrating) tablets should remain in their package until just before use. Place the pill on your tongue and allow it to melt without chewing. Swallow repeatedly until the tablet dissolves completely.
  • Only take this medication with water. Do not use antacids containing magnesium and aluminum within 2 hours of taking Fexofenadine. Antacids containing these substances hamper the drug’s absorption rate.
  • Depending on what you’re treating, you may only need to take Fexofenadine on the days you experience allergies, such as when you’re exposed to allergens like animal fur, for example. In cases where symptoms are a result of hay fever, maybe during the spring or summer, you may need to take regular doses to keep symptoms in check. Endeavor to take this medication at approximately the same time every day, and choose a time that is both convenient and easy to remember.

Drug Interactions

Fexofenadine has been proven to have mild interactions with at least 39 unrelated medications. While the information below does not contain every possible interaction or adverse effect, it does give an empirical list of the most prominent moderate, serious, and severe interactions. Check with your healthcare specialist and inform them of all the medication you’re on while seeking additional medical advice.

Severe interactions with Fexofenadine:

  • Grapefruit

Serious interactions with Fexofenadine:

  • Isocarboxazid;
  • Ivacaftor;
  • Tranylcypromine;

Moderate interactions with Fexofenadine:

  • Juice (fruit);
  • Lomitapide;
  • Lurasidone;
  • Nefazodone;
  • Ombitasvir;
  • Paritaprevir;
  • Ritonavir;
  • Phenelzine;
  • Daclatasvir;
  • Crizotinib;
  • Cyclosporin;
  • Bosutinib;
  • Crofelemer;

Precautions and Important Mentions on the use of Fexofenadine

If you happen to overdose, seek medical help or contact emergency services/poison control immediately.

Please keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do not use it if you’re allergic to Fexofenadine or any other constituents contained within this medication, even the inactive ones.

The quickly disintegrating tablets of Fexofenadine may contain aspartame, and the liquid form may contain sugar. Ask your doctor about using this medicine if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria, or any medical condition that requires you to steer clear of/avoid these substances in your diet.

During pregnancy or breastfeeding, this product should only be considered when deemed absolutely necessary. Please discuss the risks versus benefits with your doctor or pharmacist.