Fexofenadine

Fexofenadine is an antihistamine medication, which affect the way that the body responds to stimuli like dust, pollen and dander. Exposure to certain stimuli can cause the body to respond with allergy-type systems. The cells in the lining of the eyes and nose produce and release a chemical called histamine when they encounter irritants like dust and pollen, leading to symptoms such as a runny nose, cough or watering eyes. Some people can also experience inflammation and soreness. Fexofenadine is an antihistamine, which means that it counteracts the effects of the naturally produced histamines in the body, reducing the risk of side effects. Although some antihistamines are available over the counter, Fexofenadine is often given on prescription. It is available in tablet form.

Fexofenadine is an antihistamine medication, which affect the way that the body responds to stimuli like dust, pollen and dander. Exposure to certain stimuli can cause the body to respond with allergy-type systems. The cells in the lining of the eyes and nose produce and release a chemical called histamine when they encounter irritants like dust and pollen, leading to symptoms such as a runny nose, cough or watering eyes. Some people can also experience inflammation and soreness. Fexofenadine is an antihistamine, which means that it counteracts the effects of the naturally produced histamines in the body, reducing the risk of side effects. Although some antihistamines are available over the counter, Fexofenadine is often given on prescription. It is available in tablet form.

As with other antihistamines, Fexofenadine is used to relieve allergy symptoms such as runny noses, watery and itching eyes, and sneezing. In some cases, it can also assist with dryness and hives caused by allergic responses to stimuli such as dust and dander. Doctors and medical professionals often prescribe Fexofenadine for hay fever (allergic reaction to pollen), and itching and discomfort caused by dust.

Fexofenadine can also be used to treat urticaria in its chronic and acute forms. In a case of urticaria, itchy skin rashes developed, often triggered by an allergy or another unknown factor. If the rash lasts for more than four to six weeks, it is usually referred to as chronic, and you may be given a number of treatments to address it.

There are different strengths of Fexofenadine hydrochloride tablets currently available, including 30 mg, 120 mg and 180 mg. Your doctor or medical consultant may be able to give you advice on which strength you need. Higher strengths of Fexofenadine hydrochloride tablets are often recommended for chronic urticaria.

If you are taking Fexofenadine in its over-the-counter form, it is important to read the instructions provided with this medication carefully. All medications, including Fexofenadine will come with a patient leaflet. Reading this leaflet will give you advice on how to use the medication correctly, as well as any side effects that you need to monitor for.

Read the instructions for taking Fexofenadine then ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions before taking this medication. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, shake the bottle thoroughly before each use. Do not use a standard household spoon as a measuring device – you will be given a special measuring spoon to use with the liquid.

If you are taking the Fexofenadine hydrochloride tablets, you should take them with liquid. The rapidly-dissolving Fexofenadine hydrochloride tablet is best taken on an empty stomach, which means that you will need to take it at least one hour before eating, or two hours after. Allow the dissolving tablet to melt on your tongue, then swallow. You can use water to help you swallow after the tablet has dissolved.

If you need to use liquid to take this medication, such as water when you are using the capsules or tablets, make sure that you do not drink fruit juice, as orange, grapefruit and apple juices can sometimes reduce your body’s ability to absorb this drug.

Your dosage of Fexofenadine will depend on your treatment. Often, higher doses are given for treating chronic urticaria than for hay fever and general allergic responses. As well as considering your medical condition, your doctor will also look at your response to treatment in the past and your age when deciding which dose of Fexofenadine to give you.

The typical dose is one Fexofenadine hydrochloride tablet taken twice a day, usually once every 12 hours. It is important to take your dose of Fexofenadine hydrochloride tablets at equally spaced times during the day, so that your body can get an even amount of it into your system. Do not take tablets containing aluminium or magnesium within two hours of using this medication as those antacids may reduce your ability to absorb Fexofenadine. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve when using Fexofenadine or gets worse after you have taken the tablets.

Medications can cause side effects alongside their intended effects. Although Fexofenadine is deemed a safe treatment for conditions such as hay fever and allergies, there is a risk that your body will respond negatively to this medication. Checking the patient leaflet included in your medication for a complete list of side effects will help you to prepare and know what to do if you encounter any problems.

The most common side effects of Fexofenadine, including coughs and stomach upset, diminish on their own. Some people experience a slight fever after they begin taking Fexofenadine for the first time, other encounter some dizziness. If this happens, make sure that you do not drive or operate any machinery until you feel well enough to do so. If your side effects persist or worsen over time, tell your doctor or medical consultant, who should be able to recommend an alternative treatment to Fexofenadine that does not cause the same responses.

Tell your doctor if you notice any other serious side effects, including a sudden or serious allergic reaction to this drug. Although having an allergic reaction to a medication like Fexofenadine is rare, you should seek medical help immediately if you notice symptoms such as a rash, itching, or trouble breathing. Some allergic reactions can cause swelling in the tongue, throat and lips. Seek emergency medical attention if this happens, or if you feel extremely dizzy.

This is not a complete list of side effects for Fexofenadine. If you notice any other symptoms that have not been listed here, stop taking Fexofenadine and contact your doctor or a medical professional for more advice.

Before you begin taking Fexofenadine, it is important to answer any questions your doctor or medical consultant has about your condition and your medical history. Fexofenadine will not be the right treatment for everyone. If it is not suitable for you, then your doctor or consultant might be able to suggest an alternative medication that has a lower risk of side effects. Before taking Fexofenadine, tell your doctor or consultant if you have ever had an allergic response to similar medications or antihistamines. You should also make your doctor or consultant aware of any other allergies that you have, as Fexofenadine can contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergic responses.

Tell your doctor if you have a history with kidney disease before using this medication, or if anyone in your family has had problems with their kidneys. You should also make sure that your dentist or doctor is aware of all the medications that you are taking, including Fexofenadine, before you have treatment.

The liquid version of Fexofenadine can include sugar, while the rapidly-dissolving tablet version of this medication can also contain aspartame. It is important to use caution if you have PKU or diabetes when you are taking this substance. Make sure that you ask your doctor or consultant about taking certain versions of this product if you have these conditions.

Fexofenadine should only be used during pregnancy when it is clearly needed and there is no other option.

Drug interactions can change the way that your medications work and sometimes increase your chances of experiencing severe side effects. Because of this, it is important to give a list of all the medications that you are taking to your doctor or medical consultant before you start a new medication.

Make sure that your doctor or consultant is aware of all the medications that you are using, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies and supplements. Do not start or change the dosage of any medication that you are using alongside Fexofenadine without the guidance of a medical professional.

Although there are no severe interactions listed at this time for Fexofenadine and other medications, that could change. Make sure that you check with your doctor before taking Fexofenadine. This medication can also interfere with laboratory tests such as allergy skin testing, causing different results. Your laboratory personnel should be made aware that you are using Fexofenadine before you begin a test.

Depending on where you live, it may be possible to buy Fexofenadine both online and offline from a pharmacy. You will need a prescription to get some kinds of Fexofenadine, but other options may be available over the counter. Even if you can get Fexofenadine over the counter, it is best to check that this product is safe for you to use with a doctor or consultant.

Fexofenadine is available in some forms without a prescription, but you may need one to obtain certain doses of this medication. Always seek medical advice before taking a new type of medication.

Medicines.org, (25 September 2018) Fexofenadine hydrochloride 180mg film-coated Tablets, Retrieved 27 March 2020 from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/3488/pil

NICE, BNF, (2020) FEXOFENADINE HYDROCHLORIDE, Retrieved 14 March 2020 from: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/fexofenadine-hydrochloride.html

Stewart, Michael, (1 June 2017) : Fexofenadine tablets, Retrieved 27 March 2020 from: https://patient.info/medicine/fexofenadine-tablets-telfast-allegra