Fexofenadine

What is Fexofenadine?

Fexofenadine is a treatment for allergies such as hay fever and hives.

Worldwide, between 10% and 30% of people experience hay fever.^[1] It’s commonly associated with symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes and itchy skin. These symptoms occur as a result of the body’s desire to rid itself of allergens such as pollen, pet hair and dust mites.

The spring and summer months tend to see a rise in symptoms, and windy days are also associated with a worsening of symptoms as more pollen is present in the air.

Hives are a reaction to an allergen that causes a red, bumpy and itchy rash on the skin. This rash is caused by an excess amount of histamine in the body.

How does Fexofenadine work?

When the body feels that it’s under attack from an allergen, it produces a natural chemical called histamine. This is sometimes released into the body in large amounts, and can trigger hay fever symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes. It also causes the rash and itchiness we see with hives.

Fexofenadine is an antihistamine. It stops the body’s natural histamine from reaching the cells in the nose, throat, skin and eyes and prevents them from producing hay fever symptoms.

It still allows the histamine in the body to protect the immune system, but it regulates its response to stop it from becoming extreme.

What doses of Fexofenadine are there?

Fexofenadine is available in three dosage sizes: 30 mg, 60 mg and 180 mg. It comes in the form of a film coated tablet that is easy to swallow. For hayfever, you will usually be told to take one tablet with water. Many people start on a lower dose and increase it if it does not offer the relief they need. If you’re taking Fexofenadine for hives, your doctor can advise you on the best dose.

How to take Fexofenadine

Your doctor will explain exactly how to take your medication. For hay fever, this usually involves taking one tablet a day with water. It’s usually best to take Fexofenadine shortly before a meal. Try to take your dose of Fexofenadine around the same time each day. Setting an alarm or using a reminder app can help you remember.

How long does it take Fexofenadine to work?

Fexofenadine gets to work quickly, and you should feel relief from the symptoms of hay fever and hives within an hour of taking it. It can take a little longer for some people to feel relief from their symptoms, and it’s a good idea to keep a record of how long it takes for it to take effect for you.

If you find that Fexofenadine takes too long to work, you should speak to your clinician because there may be other options available that will work better for you.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Fexofenadine?

If you forget to take a dose of Fexofenadine, you should take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for you to take your next dose, forget about the missed dose and carry on as normal. Don’t take a double dose of Fexofenadine to make up for missing one. If you take too much Fexofenadine, seek medical attention immediately.

Don’t drink apple, orange or grapefruit juice while taking Fexofenadine as they can make the medication less effective. Some medications meant to relieve stomach acid can have the same effects. Always tell your clinician if you’re taking any prescription or over the counter medication before taking Fexofenadine.