Fexofenadine
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Medication Features:
The main benefit of using Fexofenadine is the relief it provides against the symptoms of hay fever and other allergic reactions. The active ingredient of Fexofenadine tablets is Fexofenadine Hydrochloride - this effectively blocks the action of histamine to effectively prevent the inflammation, itching, and other symptoms of hay fever (Gomez et al, 2023; Meltzer et al, 2021; Naclerio et al, 2024).
- Antihistamine medication to treat hay fever
- Relieves runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing
- Offers effective relief
- Genuine medication
- All drugs sourced in the UK
More information
A Doctor's Overview
GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:
'Fexofenadine is an antihistamine medication used to manage symptoms of conditions like hay fever, hives of the skin and rhinitis. '.
If you think Fexofenadine is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.
Buying Fexofenadine Online in the UK
How do I buy Fexofenadine online?
Fexofenadine UK
You can safely buy Fexofenadine online at UK Meds. You will need to have a quick online consultation with an independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Fexofenadine is the right medication for your medical condition.
Summary of Fexofenadine
Type of drug | Antihistamines |
Health conditions prescribed for | Allergic rhinitis, hay fever, hives, conjunctivitis, eczema, insect bites and stings |
Active ingredient | Fexofenadine |
Brand name | Almerg, Telfast, Treathay |
Available strength | 120mg, 180mg |
Available as | Tablets |
Possible side effects | Headache, nausea, sleepiness, dry mouth, dizziness |
Key Information
What is Fexofenadine?
Fexofenadine Hydrochloride
Fexofenadine is an antihistamine. Fexofenadine tablets contain fexofenadine hydrochloride 120 mg per dose. Fexofenadine is an antihistamine to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Fexofenadine is an effective antihistamine especially if you have previously tried other non-prescription antihistamines without success. You can take Fexofenadine alongside a nasal spray for hay fever and eyed drops when necessary.
Fexofenadine is used to treat hay fever in adults and children who are six years of age and over. It is also used for the treatment of long-term itchy nettle-type hives or rash in adults and adolescents twelve years old and over.
Fexofenadine is only available with prescription in the UK. You cannot purchase this medication over the counter.
What are hayfever tablets?
Hayfever (medically referred to as seasonal allergic rhinitis), is an allergy to pollen that is very common and affects about 20% of people in the UK. Hayfever tablets, such as Telfast and Fexofenadine, can help you treat symptoms of hayfever. It usually first occurs in childhood, but can develop at any age, and symptoms include sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, itching in the eyes, ears, throat or lips, coughing, tiredness and wheezing.
How does Fexofenadine work?
Fexofenadine contains fexofenadine hydrochloride, a type of non-sedating antihistamine. It works by preventing the actions of histamine, a substance naturally produced by the body in response to a foreign substance such as pollen. Histamine acts on histamine receptors in the cells, causing a chain reaction that results in allergy symptoms.
In allergic reactions such as hay fever, histamine usually leads to the inflammation of the nose, eyes, or airways, which results in watery, itchy eyes, a runny or blocked nose, and sneezing. In allergic skin reactions, histamine causes the skin to be inflamed, to form rashes, and become itchy.
Fexofenadine blocks the histamine receptors and effectively stops the chain reaction that causes the allergy symptoms. Fexofenadine usually starts becoming effective within half an hour to an hour after taking a dose.
Fexofenadine also relieves itchy skin rash called idiopathic urticaria, which is similar to the nettle-type of hives or rash that is a common symptom when you get a skin reaction for no apparent cause. Fexofenadine blocks the actions of histamine to relieve the itching and reduces the rash that is common with this condition.
What are the benefits of using Fexofenadine?
The main benefit of using Fexofenadine is the relief it provides against the symptoms of hay fever and other allergic reactions. The active ingredient of Fexofenadine – Fexofenadine – effectively blocks the action of histamine to effectively prevent the inflammation, itching, and other symptoms of hay fever.
What experiences have Fexofenadine users had?
Fexofenadine Reviews
Read first hand what other UK Meds customers think about Fexofenadine and it's impact on their lives on our customer reviews above. For further context there are also a large selection of Fexofenadine reviews describing what people think about their experiences with the medication available at Drugs.com and Web MD.
It is important to note that people may have different experiences when they use Fexofenadine. If someone states that their medication did not work as they had hoped, it does not mean that it will not work for you. If you believe that Fexofenadine is the right medication for you then the best thing to do is to consult your doctor or healthcare professional, and judge the medication based on your own experiences if they recommend it as a treatment. Before starting a medication you should always consult with your healthcare provider first to ensure that it is safe and suitable for your individual needs.
Patient Information Leaflet
Usage Advice
How do I use Fexofenadine?
For allergic rhinitis, your doctor may suggest that you take a dose of Fexofenadine only when needed in order to reduce the occasional allergy symptoms. Your doctor may also suggest that you take a dose if you anticipate that you will get the symptoms of hay fever, such as when you became aware that there is an impending high pollen count. If the symptoms of allergic rhinitis are more persistent or frequent, your doctor may recommend that you take Fexofenadine regularly every day during the pollen season in order to prevent your symptoms.
For chronic urticaria, your doctor will ask you to regularly take a dose every day for a certain period of time until the rash shows improvement.
Fexofenadine tablets should be swallowed whole with a sip of water before you eat your meal. This medication is most effective if taken every day for persistent symptoms of allergic reactions. Do not double the dose of Fexofenadine if you miss a dose. Do not compensate for a missed dose.
Dosage
What is the typical dosage of Fexofenadine?
For hay fever in children aged six to eleven years the recommended Fexofenadine dose is one 30 mg tablet taken twice a day, one in the morning and another one in the evening.
Fexofenadine 120mg
For hay fever in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over the recommended dose is one 120 mg tablets taken once daily.
Fexofenadine 180mg
For the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over the recommended dose is one 180 mg tablet taken once daily.
Side Effects
What side effects can Fexofenadine have?
While not everyone experiences side effects with fexofenadine, they can occur.
Common side effects of Fexofenadine (affecting more than 1 in 100 people) include:
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness or drowsiness
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
If these side effects persist or bother you, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
More serious side effects of Fexofenadine are rare but can include:
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can also occur when taking Fexofenadine tablets. Whilst they may be extremely rare you should call 999 immediately if you notice any of the following signs after taking the medication:
- Confusion, extreme drowsiness, or dizziness
- Swelling of lips, mouth, throat, or tongue
- Fainting or inability to wake someone
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Tightness in the throat or difficulty swallowing
- Rash that is swollen, itchy, blistered, or peeling
- Blue, grey, or pale skin, lips, or tongue (especially visible on palms/soles in people with darker skin)
Important: Do not drive yourself to A&E. Follow the advice from the 999 operator.
How can I manage the side effects of Fexofenadine?
Side Effect | How To Manage It |
---|---|
Nausea | Stick to light, simple meals and avoid rich or spicy foods. |
Drowsiness | Try switching to a non-drowsy antihistamine or talk to your doctor if the issue persists. |
Headache | Rest, drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol, and take a mild pain reliever like paracetamol or ibuprofen. |
Dry Mouth | Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets can help. |
Dizziness | If you feel dizzy, lie down until it passes, get up slowly, and avoid stimulants like coffee or alcohol. If it continues, speak to your pharmacist or doctor. |
If you experience any other side effects, you can report them using the Yellow Card safety scheme. Check the leaflet inside your medicine packet for a complete list of potential side effects. For further information speak with your doctor or healthcare provider or read the information available on the NHS website.
Warnings
Can I take Fexofenadine during pregnancy?
No. Fexofenadine is not usually recommended during pregnancy due to limited safety data. Other antihistamines may be safer options. If you think you need fexofenadine while pregnant, consult your doctor or pharmacist, who may recommend a more suitable alternative.
Can I take Fexofenadine when breastfeeding?
Fexofenadine can be taken while breastfeeding, as only small amounts pass into breast milk, making it unlikely to affect your baby. However, other antihistamines like loratadine and cetirizine may be preferred while breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re concerned.
If your baby seems unusually sleepy, irritable, or not feeding well, contact your doctor, health visitor, or midwife.
Always inform your doctor if you are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Can Fexofenadine interact with other medications?
Yes, Fexofenadine can interact with certain medications, increasing the risk of side effects. Always inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication:
- Medicines for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole
- Antibiotics like erythromycin or rifampicin
- Medications for heart rate control, arthritis, or multiple sclerosis
- Indigestion remedies with aluminium or magnesium – leave 2 hours between taking fexofenadine and these remedies
- Cancer treatments or any medications that cause drowsiness, dry mouth, or difficulty peeing, as fexofenadine may worsen these effects
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