What is Fexofenadine?
Fexofenadine is a selective peripheral H1-blocker that can be used therapeutically. It functions by stopping the body from releasing a natural product called histamine during an allergic reaction. It is prescribed to treat allergy symptoms such as hay fever and urticaria.
It is available in the market with the brand name "Allegra" and others.
Uses of Fexofenadine
Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that helps to relieve allergy symptoms like :
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Itching
- Sneezing
It is also used to treat:
- Hay fever
- Conjuctivitis
- Hives
- Eczema
- Food allergies
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Get A Second OpinionHow to use Fexofenadine HCL?
- If self-treating with an over-the-counter medication, read all instructions on the pack before use.
- Consult your doctor if you have any questions.
- If prescribed by your doctor, take it exactly as directed, typically twice a day (every 12 hours).
- For liquid forms, shake well before each dose and measure carefully with a special measuring device or spoon.
- Tablets/capsules or liquids can be taken with or without food.
- If taking a rapidly dissolving tablet, do so on an empty stomach.
- Allow fast-acting tablets to dissolve on the tongue before swallowing.
- Remove the tablet from the blister pack only when ready to use.
- If taking with a liquid, use water; avoid fruit juices (apple, grapefruit, or orange) as they can reduce absorption.
- Dosage is determined by age, medical condition, and treatment response.
- Do not exceed prescribed doses or frequency.
- Stop taking aluminum and magnesium-containing antacids within 2 hours of this medication, as they can impair absorption.
Side Effects of Fexofenadine
Common side effects of fexofenadine
- Vomiting
- Back pain
- Chills
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty with moving
- Dizziness
- Earache
- Fever
- Headache
- Loss of voice
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea
- Pain in arms or legs
- Painful menstrual bleeding
- Pain or tenderness around eyes or cheekbones
- Redness or swelling in the ear
- Ringing or buzzing in ears
- Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Stomach upset
- Swollen joints
- Unusual feeling of tiredness or weakness
- Viral infection (such as cold and flu)
- Nervousness
- Rash
- Sleeplessness
- Terrible dreams
The side effects may vary from person to person and depend on health conditions. Consult the doctor immediately if you feel uneasy while taking the medication.
Take Precautions Before Taking Fexofenadine:
Inform your doctor if you have
- Allergic to fexofenadine or other substances
- Medical history, particularly kidney disease
- Medications used before surgery
- Diabetes
- Phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other disorder requiring dietary restrictions
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is already near the time of the next dose, skip the forgotten dose and take your next dose at the regular time.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has severe symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, contact a doctor immediately.
Interactions
- Drug interactions can alter the functioning of your medications or increase the risk of severe side effects.
- This list does not cover all potential drug interactions.
- Keep a list of all medications you use and share it with your doctor.
- Do not begin, stop, or change the dosage of any medications without your doctor's permission.
How to Store Fexofenadine?
- Store away from direct sunlight and moisture at room temperature.
- Different brands of this medicine have different storage requirements. Check the product package carefully for instructions on how to store it, or ask your pharmacist.
- Keep all drugs away from children and pets.
- Do not flush the medication down the toilet or pour it into the drain unless instructed to do so.
- Discard this product properly when it has expired or is no longer needed.
| Fexofenadine | Cetirizine |
|---|---|
| Fexofenadine is sold under the brand name Allegra | Cetirizine is sold under the brand name Zyrtec |
| is an antihistamine pharmaceutical drug | is a second-generation antihistamine |
| Fexofenadine is used in the treatment of allergy symptoms, such as hay fever and urticaria. | Cetirizine is used to treat allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, and urticaria. |
| Formula: C32H39NO4 | Molecular Formula: C21H25ClN2O3 |
| Molecular Weight: 501.7 g/mol | Molar mass: 388.89 g/mol |
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that helps with watery eyes, runny nose, itchy eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. It functions by stopping the body from releasing a natural product called histamine during an allergic reaction.
Fexofenadine is an antihistamine used to treat allergic reactions, including hay fever and urticaria. Evidence indicates that it is the least sedating of all the antihistamines available.
Antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Allegra (fexofenadine hydrochloride) are used to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and hives. Benadryl is also prescribed for insomnia, motion sickness, and mild Parkinson's disease.
Fexofenadine tablets come in three different strengths: 30 mg, 120 mg, and 180 mg. The 30 mg strength is used to treat hay fever in children aged 6 to 12, the 120 mg strength is used to treat hay fever in adults, and the 180 mg strength is used to treat chronic urticaria.
Fexofenadine prevents the chain reaction that triggers allergy symptoms by blocking histamine receptors. It typically kicks in half an hour to an hour after you take a dose. Chronic idiopathic urticaria is a form of itchy skin rash that can be relieved with fexofenadine.
Yes, like any medication, fexofenadine can cause side effects in some people.
No, fexofenadine is not an antibiotic. It is an antihistamine medication used to treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
No, fexofenadine is not an anti-inflammatory medication. It is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergies.
Fexofenadine has been shown to be more effective than loratadine in treating individual symptoms of nasal congestion and itchy, watery, red eyes, and to be comparable to cetirizine in treating individual symptoms of nasal congestion and itchy, watery, red eyes.
Heart rate has risen (tachycardia). Diarrhea is a common ailment. Rashes and scratching are normal skin reactions. Allergic reactions to the drug can result in swelling of the ears, lips, tongue, and throat, as well as trouble breathing, chest tightness, and flushing.
