Fexofenadine is a medication to relieve allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, red and watery eyes, and a runny or stuffy nose. This drug is usually used to relieve complaints and symptoms in allergic rhinitis and hives.
Fexofenadine belongs to a group of antihistamine drugs that work by blocking the effects of histamine, a natural substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms. Thus, allergy symptoms can subside.
Trademarks of fexofenadine: Fexoven OD, Telfast, Telfast BD, Telfast HD, Telfast OD, Telfast Plus
What is Fexofenadine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antihistamines |
| Benefit | Relieves allergy symptoms |
| Consumed by | Adults and children 6 months |
| Fexofenadine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether fexofenadine is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Film-coated tablets and slow-release tablets |
Warnings Before Taking Fexofenadine
Fexofenadine should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Below are some things you need to pay attention to before using fexofenadine:
- Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to fexofenadine.
- Tell your doctor your medical history, especially if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, phenylketonuria, or epilepsy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are going to have an allergy test, as this medicine can affect allergy test results.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Do not drink alcohol, drive a vehicle, or operate heavy machinery while you are taking fexofenadine, as this drug may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches.
- Do not consume grapefruit while taking fexofenadine, because it can affect the body's absorption of the drug.
- If you plan to take an antacid while on treatment with fexofenadine, allow about 2 hours between taking your medication.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking fexofenadine.
Dosage and Instructions for Use Fexofenadine
The dose and duration of use of fexofenadine will be determined by the doctor according to the patient's age and health condition. The following is a breakdown of the general dosage of fexofenadine based on the patient's condition and age:
Condition: Allergic rhinitis
- Adults and children 12 years of age: 120 mg per day in 1-2 divided doses, or 180 mg once daily.
- Children aged 2–11 years: 30 mg 2 times a day.
Condition: Long-term (chronic) hives
- Adults and children 12 years of age: 180 mg once daily.
- Children aged 6–24 months: 15 mg 2 times a day.
- Children ages 2–11 years: 30 mg 2 times a day.
How to Take Fexofenadine Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the drug packaging label before taking fexofenadine.
Fexofenadine should be taken on an empty stomach. So, take the drug 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating. Swallow the medicine with the help of water. Do not split or bite the medicine before swallowing.
Do not take fexofenadine with fruit juices, especially apples, oranges, or grapefruit, as they can decrease the absorption of fexofenadine. Try to always take fexofenadine at the same time every day so that the drug is more effective.
If you forget to take fexofenadine, it is advisable to do it as soon as you remember if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store fexofenadine at room temperature and in a closed container to avoid sun exposure. Do not place fexofenadine in a damp place, and keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
Fexofenadine Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are interactions that may occur if you take fexofenadine with other medicines:
- Increases the effectiveness of fexofenadine when used with erdafitinib, erythromycin, isocarboxazid, ketoconazole, lasmiditan, ritonavir, or tranylcypromine
- Increases the effect of each drug when used with intranasal metoclopramide
- Decreased absorption of fexofenadine when used with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium hydroxide
Side Effects and Dangers of Fexofenadine
Side effects that can occur generally vary for each user of fexofenadine. Some side effects that may occur after using fexofenadine are:
- dry mouth
- Throw up
- Headache or dizziness
- Cough, runny nose, or stuffy nose
- Ears feel full or ears feel sore
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Back pain
- Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)
- Pain in the tips of the hands and feet
- Stomach ache or stomach ache
- Drowsiness
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by the appearance of a rash on the skin that feels itchy, swelling of the lips or eyelids, or difficulty breathing.