How does fexofenadine work?
Fexofenadine is a type of medicine called an antihistamine.
When you come into contact with something you're allergic to, such as pollen, animal hair or fur, house dust or you have an insect bite or sting, your body produces a chemical called histamine.
Usually, histamine is a useful substance but in an allergic reaction it causes unpleasant symptoms including itchy, watery eyes, running or blocked nose, sneezing and skin rashes.
Fexofenadine blocks the effects of histamine and so reduces these symptoms.
When will I feel better?
You should start to feel better within 1 to 2 hours of taking fexofenadine.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Fexofenadine is unlikely to do you any harm if you take it for a long time. But it's best to take it only for as long as you need to.
How does fexofenadine compare with other antihistamines?
Fexofenadine is known as a non-drowsy antihistamine. That's because it's less likely to make you feel sleepy than other, so-called, sedating antihistamines such as Piriton (chlorphenamine).
Most people prefer to take a non-drowsy antihistamine instead of a sedating one. But you might choose to take a drowsy antihistamine when you want the medicine to make you sleepy – for example, if you have itchy skin that's keeping you awake.
Other non-drowsy antihistamines like acrivastine, cetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine and levocetirizine seem to work as well as fexofenadine.
But fexofenadine seems to be less likely to make you feel sleepy than other non-drowsy antihistamines.
If one non-drowsy antihistamine has not worked for you, it's worth trying another one.
Can I take 2 different antihistamines together?
Sometimes, doctors recommend that people with a severe, itchy skin rash take 2 different antihistamines together for a few days.
As well as taking a non-drowsy antihistamine like loratadine during the day (such as fexofenadine, cetirizine or loratadine), your doctor may suggest that you take a sedating antihistamine at night time if the itching is making it difficult to sleep.
Do not take 2 antihistamines together unless your doctor advises you to.
Can I take fexofenadine with other hay fever treatments?
Yes, it's fine to take fexofenadine together with some other hay fever treatments including steroid nasal sprays (such as beclometasone, budesonide or fluticasone) or eye drops.
Can I take fexofenadine at higher doses than on the packet?
Your doctor might suggest you or your child take a higher dose of fexofenadine (up to 4 times the usual dose) for severe itchy skin rash or swelling underneath the skin (angioedema).
Taking high doses of fexofenadine is not suitable for everyone.
Speak to your doctor if you do not think your prescribed dose of fexofenadine is working for you.
Will it affect my contraception?
Fexofenadine does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Fexofenadine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine but it's still possible to feel sleepy after taking it.
If you're taking fexofenadine for the first time, see how it makes you feel before driving, cycling, or using heavy machinery or tools.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking loratadine. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.
Can I drink alcohol while taking fexofenadine?
It's best not to drink alcohol while you're taking fexofenadine, as it can make you feel sleepy.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
Do not drink grapefruit juice, orange juice or apple juice while taking fexofenadine as these can reduce how well the medicine works.
Can lifestyle changes relieve hay fever symptoms?
There are things you can do to help with hay fever symptoms.
Tips for when you're outside
- Do not spend too much time outside if the pollen count is high.
- Do not cut grass or walk on grass.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes.
- Put Vaseline around your nostrils to help trap pollen.
- Shower and change your clothes after you've been outside to wash off pollen.
Tips for when you're inside
- Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible.
- Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth.
- Do not keep fresh flowers in the house.
- Do not smoke or be around smoke as it makes hay fever symptoms worse.