Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body.
Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Fexofenadine is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies (hay fever) in adults and
children.
Fexofenadine is also used to treat skin itching and hives caused by a condition called chronic
idiopathic urticaria in adults and children.
Fexofenadine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What does fexofenadine look like?
Fexofenadine 180 mg-TEV
Fexofenadine 60 mg-TEV
Fexofenadine 30 mg-TEV
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fexofenadine?
Before using fexofenadine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney
disease.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether fexofenadine is harmful to an unborn
baby. Before taking fexofenadine, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
during treatment.
It is not known whether fexofenadine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing
baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Fexofenadine tablets and capsules may be used to treat seasonal allergy symptoms in
children who are at least 6 years old. Fexofenadine oral suspension (liquid) may be used in children
ages 2 through 11. When treating chronic idiopathic urticaria, the liquid may be used in children as
young as 2 months old.
How should I take fexofenadine?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger
amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.
Take the
regular tablet
with a full glass of water. Do not use any other
type of liquid.
Shake the
oral suspension (liquid)
well just before you measure a dose.
To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine
cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist
for one.
To take fexofenadine
orally disintegrating tablets
(Allegra ODT):
Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the
medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet
through the foil or you may damage the tablet.
Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your
mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.
Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in
your mouth without chewing.
Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired,
you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.
Take the
disintegrating tablet
on an empty stomach,
at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after you start taking
fexofenadine. Never take more of the medication than your doctor has prescribed.
Store fexofenadine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine
bottle tightly closed.
What happens if I miss a dose of fexofenadine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
take
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about fexofenadine?
Your pharmacist has information about fexofenadine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of fexofenadine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking fexofenadine and call your doctor if you have fever, chills, body aches, cough,
or other flu symptoms.
Less serious side effects may include:
nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach;
menstrual cramps;
drowsiness, tired feeling;
headache; or
muscle or back pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about fexofenadine?
Before using fexofenadine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney
disease.
Fruit juices and certain antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb fexofenadine.
Take the disintegrating tablet on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a
meal.
There may be other drugs that can affect fexofenadine. Tell your doctor about all the
prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling
your doctor.
Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too
much medicine, or if you have any of these
signs of an allergic reaction:
hives;
difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after you start taking
fexofenadine. Never take more of the medication than your doctor has prescribed.
What should I avoid while taking fexofenadine?
Avoid using antacids within 15 minutes before or after taking a medication that contains
fexofenadine. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb this medication.
Do not take fexofenadine with fruit juice (such as apple, orange, or grapefruit).
Avoid taking any other cold or allergy medicines unless your doctor has told you to.
What other drugs will affect fexofenadine?
Before taking fexofenadine, tell your doctor if you are also taking ketoconazole (Nizoral), or
erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Erythrocin).
There may be other drugs that can interact with fexofenadine. Tell your doctor about all your
prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs
prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of fexofenadine?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
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Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009