Fexofenadine 120mg Tablets
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What is Fexofenadine?
Fexofenadine, or fexofenadine hydrochloride, is a non drowsy anti histamine used to treat hay fever, other allergies, and certain types of rashes. It is generally a very well tolerated medicine. As it is a strong non drowsy anti histamine, it tends to make people less sleepy than other types of antihistamines. Alternative non drowsy and more conventional antihistamines include cetirizine, desloratadine, loratadine, and levocetirizine.
How Do Fexofenadine 120mg Tablets Work?
Fexofenadine is an antihistamine, which means it targets and blocks a receptor known as the histamine (H1) receptor. Usually, H1 receptors are involved in allergic reactions and, when activated, cause inflammation and release of a chemical called histamine. This inflammation can lead to local swelling, redness, and itching.
By blocking the H1 receptors, fexofenadine prevents this inflammatory reaction from happening, and helps to reduce the associated symptoms such as itchy skin, itchy eyes, nose irritation, skin redness, and swelling.
Unlike some other antihistamines, fexofenadine can't easily cross the blood barrier to the brain, meaning it doesn't have the same sedating effects as other similar medications.
Uses of Fexofenadine Hydrochloride
Treating Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is better known as hay fever. This condition happens when pollen irritates the nose and eyes, leading to an allergic reaction. Common symptoms include:
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Sneezing and an itchy nose.
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A runny nose.
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Itchy, watery, and/or red eyes.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis tends to be worse in the spring and summer when the pollen count is higher. It's helpful to avoid going outside when the pollen count is high, and wearing sunglasses to prevent pollen getting into your eyes and triggering symptoms.
Antihistamines like fexofenadine hydrochloride are the main medical treatment for hay fever, but steroid nasal sprays are also used. The dose of fexofenadine depends on age, but 120mg once a day is the standard dose for adults.
Managing Other Allergic Reactions
Whilst fexofenadine tablets are most commonly used to treat hay fever, it can be used to treat other types of allergies such as:
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Insect bite reactions.
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Skin conditions like eczema and hives.
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Certain food allergies.
For a more serious allergic reaction, including situations where breathing is affected, it's important to seek medical help immediately. Very rarely, fexofenadine can cause an allergic reaction. In these cases, stop taking fexofenadine tablets and contact a doctor immediately for advice. If it's an emergency, call 999.
Dosage and Administration
Recommended Dose
For hay fever, the standard adult dose is one fexofenadine hydrochloride 120 mg film coated tablet once a day. In children aged 6-11 years, this may be reduced to 30mg twice a day.
For adults and children older than 12 years suffering from hives, the dose is increased to 180mg once a day. It may not be suitable for children younger than 12 years to take fexofenadine hydrochloride at this dose, so it's important to discuss this with a healthcare professional.
Alternative dose strengths may be taken for other causes, but this should also be discussed with a medical professional. Fexofenadine hydrochloride 120mg, 30mg, and 180mg tablets are all available to make it easier to take the right dose.
Take fexofenadine hydrochloride at its usual dose of 120 mg or 180 mg before a meal if possible, with a glass of water. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed. You should not take fexofenadine hydrochloride tablets more often than recommended, as this can lead to side effects.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose?
If you take fexofenadine hydrochloride 120 mg every day and you forget a dose, take the tablet as soon as you remember. If it's close to the time you would take your next dose, then you should skip it. Don't take two tablets close together as this can lead to serious side effects.
If a child is taking fexofenadine tablets twice a day and you forget a dose, you can give it to them if it's within 4 hours of their original dose. If it's been longer than 4 hours, you should wait until the next dose.
Potential Side Effects of Fexofenadine 120mg
Serious Side Effects
Some of the more serious side effects associated with fexofenadine tablets are a fast or irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing. In these cases, you should seek medical assistance from 111 or 999 in an emergency.
Common Side Effects
Fexofenadine tablets are generally a well tolerated medicine, but some people do experience mild side effects. Headache, drowsiness, feeling sick, and dizziness are the most common side effects. Although fexofenadine is a non drowsy antihistamine, many people do still feel sleepy after taking the medication.
If you're taking fexofenadine tablets every day and the side effects are bothering you, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions and Interactions
Precautions When Taking Fexofenadine
Most people are able to take fexofenadine tablets safely. However, anyone with a history of allergic reaction to fexofenadine hydrochloride, or other substances listed in the medicines patient information leaflet, should avoid taking fexofenadine tablets.
Patients with heart disease should talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking the medication, as fexofenadine may worsen the risk of heart palpitations and/or an increased heart rate. People with a history of epilepsy, liver disease, or kidney problems should also discuss their medical history with a healthcare professional before starting the medication.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications are known to interact with fexofenadine. If taken together, they may cause side effects or prevent one/both medications from working properly. Medicines known to interact with fexofenadine include:
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Certain anti-fungal medications.
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The antibiotics erythromycin, clarithromycin and rifampicin.
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Dronedarone (a heart medication.)
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Some anti-viral medications.
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Certain arthritis medications.
Indigestion remedies containing aluminium and magnesium may affect the absorption of fexofenadine tablets. It is recommended that you leave about 2 hours between taking fexofenadine and such an indigestion remedy.
It's important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any medications you're taking before starting fexofenadine in case they affect each other.
Additional Information
Patient Information Leaflet
For drug interactions, side effects, storage information and more, please read the patient information leaflet supplied with the medication. It contains advice on how to take fexofenadine hydrochloride tablets safely.
When to Seek Medical Advice?
If you or someone else is taking fexofenadine and an allergic reaction occurs (symptoms include facial swelling, wheezing, trouble breathing, or loses consciousness), call 999 immediately. For other serious side effects or stubborn symptoms call 111. If you're suffering with ongoing but less serious side effects, make an appointment to discuss them with your doctor.
Where to Buy Fexofenadine 120mg Tablets?
Fexofenadine 120mg tablets can be bought without a prescription from a high street or online pharmacy. Buy yours today from Quick Meds, a UK-registered, GPhC-licensed online pharmacy. We send quality-checked medication quickly and safely, straight to your door.
FAQs
Should I take fexofenadine at night or in the morning?
As long as you take it at the same time every day, it doesn't really matter what time you take your fexofenadine tablets. Some people experience slight drowsiness after taking their tablet, so may benefit from taking it at night. However, others may have difficulty sleeping/sleeping disorders after taking fexofenadine and may prefer to take it in the morning.
Does fexofenadine make you hungry?
There's some evidence that antihistamines may increase feelings of hunger, which can lead to overeating and weight gain. However, not everyone experiences these symptoms and they are not officially listed in the medicine packaging or the NHS website.
How many days does it take for fexofenadine to work?
Fexofenadine doesn't need to be taken every day to be effective. It should start to work after 30 minutes and can be effective when taken as a one-off dose. However, if symptoms continue, you will need to continue to take fexofenadine daily to experience the positive effects.
What is the highest strength of fexofenadine?
Fexofenadine is licensed for use at a dose up to 180mg, but may be prescribed at a higher dose off-label by a doctor. Do not take more than 180mg a day if you have not been advised by a healthcare professional to do so.
What is the difference between fexofenadine and Allevia?
Both fexofenadine and Allevia contain the same active ingredient fexofenadine hydrochloride, Allevia is just one brand name for the medication.
Can I drive on fexofenadine?
If you're taking fexofenadine tablets for the first time, you shouldn't drive in case it makes you feel drowsy. If you don't experience any side effects and feel safe to drive, then you can. Remember, it's an offense to drive a car if medication is affecting your ability to drive safely.