Fexofenadine
Fexofenadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine for fast, all-day allergy relief. The active ingredient, fexofenadine hydrochloride, blocks histamine – the natural chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction. The 120mg strength relieves hay fever, while the 180mg strength (Histahive) treats chronic urticaria (hives). One tablet a day works for around 24 hours, without the drowsiness of older allergy tablets.
What is fexofenadine and what is it used for?
Fexofenadine is a second-generation, non-drowsy antihistamine. It belongs to the same family of allergy medicines as cetirizine and loratadine, but is often chosen when other antihistamines have not brought enough relief. The 120mg strength treats the symptoms of hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) - sneezing; an itchy, runny or blocked nose; and red, itchy or watering eyes. The 180mg strength (such as Histahive) treats chronic urticaria (long-lasting hives), easing the itching and welts.
Is fexofenadine available over the counter?
Yes. Fexofenadine 120mg for hay fever is on general sale, and the 180mg strength for chronic hives is now available as a pharmacy medicine (brand Histahive) - supplied under our pharmacist's supervision after a short suitability questionnaire, rather than only on prescription. The 30mg children's strength still needs a prescription. If you are not sure which strength is right for you, our pharmacy team is happy to advise.
Fexofenadine brands
Fexofenadine is sold under several brand names as well as generic versions - all contain the same active ingredient, fexofenadine hydrochloride. For hay fever, the 120mg strength is available as Allevia and as generic fexofenadine. For chronic hives, the 180mg strength is available as a pharmacy medicine under brands including Histahive and Histallay. Choose based on the strength you need and your pharmacist's advice.
How to take fexofenadine
- Hay fever (120mg): adults and children aged 12 and over take one 120mg tablet once a day.
- Chronic hives (180mg): adults and children aged 12 and over take one 180mg tablet once a day.
- Take with water, ideally before a meal.
- Do not take more than the recommended dose - taking two tablets will not improve relief and may increase side effects.
- Avoid fruit juice (apple, orange or grapefruit) around your dose, as it can reduce absorption - leave a couple of hours either side.
- Indigestion remedies (antacids) containing aluminium or magnesium can also reduce absorption; separate doses by about two hours.
Children aged 6 to 11 are treated with the prescription-only 30mg strength, which a prescriber will dose individually.
How long does fexofenadine take to work?
Fexofenadine usually begins to relieve symptoms within about an hour, and a single dose keeps working for around 24 hours - which is why it is taken just once a day. During the pollen season you can take it daily to keep symptoms under control rather than waiting for them to flare.
Does fexofenadine make you drowsy?
For most people, no. Fexofenadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine and is far less likely to cause sleepiness than older antihistamines such as chlorphenamine. A small number of people may still feel drowsy, so until you know how it affects you, take care when driving or using machinery, and avoid alcohol.
Is fexofenadine a strong antihistamine?
Fexofenadine is a long-acting antihistamine that controls symptoms for a full 24 hours from a single daily tablet, while staying non-drowsy for most people. It is a common next step when other allergy tablets have not given enough relief. How effective it feels varies from person to person - if you are still struggling, speak to our pharmacist.
Side effects of fexofenadine
Most people take fexofenadine without any problems. Like all medicines it can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common (up to 1 in 10 people)
- Headache
- Drowsiness or feeling sleepy
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Less common or rare
- Tiredness, dry mouth or difficulty sleeping
- Fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Allergic reaction - rash, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat
Get urgent medical help if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat or difficulty breathing. A full list of side effects is in the patient information leaflet supplied with the medicine.
Who can and cannot take fexofenadine
Fexofenadine is suitable for most adults and children aged 12 and over. Check with your pharmacist or doctor before taking it if you:
- Have ever had an allergic reaction to fexofenadine or any of the ingredients
- Have kidney or liver problems, or heart disease
- Are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
- Are elderly, or are taking other medicines (including indigestion remedies, erythromycin or ketoconazole)
Always read the label and the patient information leaflet before use. If symptoms persist, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
FAQ
Frequently asked question.
What is fexofenadine used for?
Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that relieves the symptoms of hay fever - sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy, watery eyes. The higher 180mg strength (such as Histahive) is used for chronic urticaria, or long-lasting hives. It works by blocking histamine, the chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction.
What is the dose of fexofenadine for adults?
For hay fever, adults and children aged 12 and over take one 120mg tablet once a day. For chronic hives, the dose is one 180mg tablet once a day. Take it with water, ideally before food, and do not take more than the recommended dose.
Is fexofenadine available over the counter?
Yes. The 120mg hay fever strength is on general sale, and the 180mg strength for chronic hives is now available as a pharmacy medicine (brand Histahive) after a short suitability questionnaire. The 30mg children's strength still needs a prescription.
Does fexofenadine make you drowsy?
Fexofenadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine and does not usually cause drowsiness. A small number of people may still feel sleepy, so until you know how it affects you, take care driving or using machinery and avoid alcohol.
How long does fexofenadine take to work?
Fexofenadine usually starts to relieve symptoms within about an hour, and a single tablet keeps working for around 24 hours - which is why it is taken once a day.
Can fexofenadine be taken once a day?
Yes. One tablet provides around 24 hours of relief, so fexofenadine is taken just once a day at the recommended strength for your condition.
What are the side effects of fexofenadine?
Most people have no side effects. The most common (up to 1 in 10 people) are headache, drowsiness, dizziness and nausea. Rarely it can cause a fast or irregular heartbeat or an allergic reaction. Seek urgent medical help for any swelling of the face or throat or difficulty breathing. A full list is in the patient information leaflet.
Can fexofenadine interact with other medicines?
Fexofenadine can interact with a few medicines, including indigestion remedies (antacids) containing aluminium or magnesium, erythromycin and ketoconazole. Avoid taking it with fruit juice, which can reduce absorption. Tell your pharmacist what else you take.
Can Children take fexofenadine?
Children aged 12 and over can take the 120mg hay fever strength. Children aged 6 to 11 are treated with the prescription-only 30mg strength, dosed by a prescriber. It is not recommended for children under 6.
Can you take fexofenadine when pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not usually recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding, as there is limited safety information and other antihistamines are generally preferred. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist first.
Can you take cetirizine and fexofenadine together?
Taking two antihistamines together is not usually recommended - it does not improve relief and can increase side effects. Ask our pharmacist if one antihistamine is not controlling your symptoms.
Can fexofenadine cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a recognised side effect of fexofenadine.
What is the difference between fexofenadine 120mg and 180mg?
The 120mg strength is for hay fever and is on general sale; the 180mg strength (e.g. Histahive) is for chronic hives and is a pharmacy medicine. Both are taken as one tablet once a day for ages 12 and over.
