Fexofenadine
About
Fexofenadine belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamine or anti-allergic. It is primarily used to treat various kinds of allergies. An allergy is an immune system response to foreign elements typically not harmful to your body. These foreign elements are known as ‘allergens.’ Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods and seasonal allergies like hay fever. At the same time, others might be allergic to pollen or pet dander.
Fexofenadine contains fexofenadine, a non-drowsy antihistamine. It is less likely to make you feel sleepy than some other antihistamines. However, some people still find it makes them feel quite sleepy, which is used to treat allergies as it blocks the effects of a chemical messenger known as histamine, which is naturally involved in allergic reactions. Fexofenadine is widely used to treat hay fever (an allergy caused by pollen or dust), conjunctivitis (red, itchy eye), eczema (dermatitis), hives (red, raised patches or dots), reactions to insect bites and stings and some food allergies.
You can take Fexofenadine with food or without food. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, bite, or break it. Your doctor will advise you on how often you take your tablets based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience headaches, nausea, or dizziness. Most of these side effects of Fexofenadine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
You should not take the Fexofenadine if you are allergic to fexofenadine, are currently breastfeeding, or have severe kidney failure (creatinine clearance less than 10 ml/min), urinary retention problem, and fructose intolerance. Do not give this medicine to children who are less than two years of age groups. Check with your doctor if you are taking midodrine to treat low blood pressure and ritonavir or lopinavir for HIV infection. Leave about 2 hours between the times you take Fexofenadine and your indigestion remedies containing aluminium or magnesium.
Uses of Fexofenadine
Medicinal Benefits
Fexofenadine is known as a non-drowsy antihistamine. It's less likely to make you feel sleepy than some other antihistamines. Fexofenadine provides instant relief from allergic reactions and symptoms by blocking histamine action, a substance which causes immune responses & inflammations in the body. Fexofenadine is widely used to treat hay fever (an allergy caused by pollen or dust), conjunctivitis (red, itchy eye), eczema (dermatitis), hives (red, raised patches or dots), reactions to insect bites and stings and some food allergies.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Fexofenadine
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Feeling sleepy
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Feeling dizzy
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease should be warned that antihistamines as a medicine class have been associated with adverse reactions, tachycardia and palpitations. Fexofenadine isn't normally recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and possible harms of taking Fexofenadine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing them. It will also depend on how many weeks pregnant you are and the reason you need to take Fexofenadine. Please inform your doctor if you have had a kidney, liver disease, or severe illness. Dose adjustment might be required; the doctor will do it depending upon your disease's condition.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Fexofenadine have interactions with a medicine used to treat low blood pressure (midodrine), a medication to treat fungal infections (ketoconazole), an antibiotic (erythromycin, rifampicin), medications used to treat HIV infection (ritonavir or lopinavir), respiratory disease medicine (theophylline), a decongestant (pseudoephedrine), anti-viral or anti-HIV drugs (ritonavir), and indigestion remedies containing aluminium or magnesium.
Drug-Food Interactions: Consuming large amounts of alcohol and fruit juices, including grapefruit, orange and apple, may decrease the levels of Fexofenadine in your body.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Fexofenadine is contraindicated in liver or kidney disease, heart problems, and epilepsy (fits).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while taking Fexofenadine as it may cause increased drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionFexofenadine should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor. It'll also depend on how many weeks pregnant you are and the reason you need to take Fexofenadine.
Breast Feeding
unsafeCaution should be exercised, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using it.
Driving
cautionDrive only if you are physically stable and mentally focussed, If you experience drowsiness after taking Fexofenadine you should not drive or operate any machinery or vehicles.
Liver
cautionFexofenadine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionFexofenadine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionFexofenadine to be taken with caution, especially if you are children below the age of 12. Your doctor may adjust your dose depending upon your age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Some anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger can relax membranes in the airways, which could reduce coughing.
- Staying hydrated is vital for those with a cough or cold. Drinking liquids at room temperature can alleviate cough, runny nose, and sneezing.
- The immune system is affected by stress and raises the risk of being sick. An individual can exercise regularly, meditate, do deep breathing, and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to relieve stress.
- To stay fit and safe, try to sleep 7-9 hours each night.
- It is advised to avoid contact with known allergens (allergy-causing agents) such as pollen, dust, etc. Certain food items are known to cause allergies to you.
- Maintain personal hygiene and keep your surroundings clean.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Allergy: An allergy is an immune system response to foreign elements typically not harmful to your body. These foreign elements are known as ‘allergens.’ Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods and seasonal allergies like hay fever. At the same time, others might be allergic to pollen or pet dander. Fexofenadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine which makes it less likely to make you feel sleepy compared to other antihistamines or antiallergics.
Hay fever: Hay fever/allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction to pollen, typically when it comes into contact with the mouth, nose, eyes and throat. Hay fever symptoms include sneezing and coughing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy, red or watery eyes, itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears, loss of smell, pain around the temples and forehead, headache, earache and feeling tired.
Eczema: Eczema is a condition in which skin patches become inflamed, itchy, cracked and rough. Some eczema types can also lead to blisters (a small bubble on the skin filled with serum) and are caused by friction, burning, or other damage.
Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by infection or allergies. It is also known as red or pink eye. Redness, itching, and tears of the eyes are symptoms. It can also cause discharge or crusting around the eyes.
FAQs
Fexofenadine contains fexofenadine (anti-histamine), which is used to treat allergies as it blocks the effects of a chemical messenger known as ‘histamine,’ which is naturally involved in allergic reactions.
Hay fever is an allergy caused due to outdoor or indoor allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or tiny flecks of skin and saliva shed by cats, dogs, and other animals with fur or feathers (pet dander). It leads to cold-like symptoms (running nose, watery eyes).
Fexofenadine is known as a non-drowsy antihistamine. It's less likely to make you sleepy than some other antihistamines; however, in some people, it may cause sleepiness and induce drowsiness during the day. Hence you are recommended to take it in the nighttime in case you are experiencing excessive drowsiness during the day.
You should not take Fexofenadine if you have had an allergic reaction to Fexofenadine, food additives containing E218 or E216, are intolerant to lactose or sorbitol, have liver or kidney failure, epilepsy (fits), or difficulty in peeing. Tell your doctor that you are taking Fexofenadine and have booked an allergy test as it might affect the diagnostic result.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take Fexofenadine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Depending upon the severity of allergic conditions due to allergens, Fexofenadine can be safely taken daily until you get complete relief and as long as your doctor has advised you to take it.
While taking Fexofenadine, avoid drinking grapefruit, orange, or apple juice. It may increase your chances of experiencing side effects.
