Fexofenadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms. It’s commonly prescribed to treat hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, but can also be prescribed to treat allergic reactions from insect bites and stings, eczema, and hives (urticaria).

Each tablet contains the active ingredient fexofenadine hydrochloride, which works by blocking the action of histamine, a natural substance that causes allergy symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

Fexofenadine is available over the counter in 120mg doses, but is available at a higher dose of 180mg with a prescription from a doctor.

Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that works by blocking histamine to relieve allergy and hay fever symptoms. When you have an allergy, your body releases the chemical histamine, which triggers common allergy symptoms. By stopping histamine from attaching to its receptors, fexofenadine stops the allergic reaction from happening, reducing your symptoms, and making you feel more comfortable.

Unlike some older antihistamines, fexofenadine is less likely to cause drowsiness, so it’s often called a “non-drowsy” antihistamine.

How long does fexofenadine take to work?

Fexofenadine usually starts to work within 1 to 2 hours and provides relief for up to 24 hours.

How effective is fexofenadine?

Research shows that fexofenadine at 120mg and 180mg doses is an effective and safe treatment for hay fever and is as effective as another non-drowsy antihistamine called cetirizine. The study showed that just 3% of the study participants experienced drowsiness while taking fexofenadine.

Fexofenadine is available in 120mg and 180mg tablets, but both are taken in exactly the same way. The recommended dose is 1 tablet per day. You should swallow the tablet with a glass of water before a meal. You should start to feel some relief within 1 to 2 hours.

What if I forget to take fexofenadine?

If you forget to take fexofenadine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet.

Can I take two fexofenadine 180mg tablets?

No, the usual dose is 180mg per day. If you take 2 doses, it is unlikely to cause you any harm, but you may experience some side effects.

If you take too much fexofenadine and you are concerned or get any of the following side effects, contact 111 for advice:

• headache
• fast heartbeat
• feel sleepy

You can buy 120mg fexofenadine over the counter without a prescription, while fexofenadine 180mg tablets will require a prescription from a doctor.

Both are available in most UK pharmacies and from online doctor or pharmacy services. It may also be available on the NHS with a valid prescription.

Can I buy fexofenadine online?

Yes, you can request fexofenadine online from Superdrug Online Doctor. To obtain it, you will need to:

1. Fill out a brief health and lifestyle questionnaire.
2. Order your preferred treatment and make payment.
3. One of our doctors will review your order and questionnaire answers.
4. If approved, your treatment will be posted to your address or made available for collection at your local Superdrug Pharmacy.
5. If your order is not approved, one of our doctors will contact you via your account with other treatment options.

Can I buy fexofenadine over the counter?

Yes, you can buy 120mg fexofenadine over the counter without a prescription, but you will need a prescription from a doctor to obtain the higher dose of fexofenadine 180mg tablets. These cannot be bought over the counter without a doctor’s approval.

Can I get fexofenadine on the NHS?

Yes, fexofenadine may be available on the NHS, but only at the higher 180mg dose. Fexofenadine 120mg tablets are not available on the NHS. Instead, they can be bought over the counter without a prescription or online from registered online doctors or pharmacy services.

Common fexofenadine side effects, affecting up to 1 in 10 people, include:

• headache
• drowsiness
• feeling sick (nausea)
• dizziness

Uncommon side effects, affecting up to 1 in 100 people, include:

• tiredness
• sleepiness

Other fexofenadine side effects reported include:

• difficulty sleeping
• sleeping disorders
• bad dreams
• nervousness
• blurred vision
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• diarrhoea
• skin rash and itching
• hives

How long do fexofenadine side effects last?

Most mild fexofenadine side effects will go away on their own within a few days of starting treatment. If you’re concerned about any side effects or they are getting worse, you should contact your doctor for advice.

What to do if you get fexofenadine side effects

If you are concerned about any side effects you are experiencing, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice. If you get any of the following serious side effects, you should stop taking fexofenadine and call 999 or get someone to take you to A&E:

• swollen lips, mouth, throat, or tongue
• breathing or swallowing difficulties
• skin, tongue, or lips turn blue, grey, or pale
• confusion, drowsiness, or dizziness
• collapse
• a skin rash that is swollen, raised, itchy, blistered, or peeling

Most mild fexofenadine side effects can be managed at home by:

• taking over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen to treat headaches
• getting plenty of rest if you are tired or drowsy or dizzy, and avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel better
• staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water if you are feeling sick
• eating smaller, more frequent, bland meals and avoiding spicy foods if you are feeling sick

Do not take fexofenadine if you’re allergic to fexofenadine hydrochloride or any other ingredients listed in the medication.

Talk to your doctor before taking fexofenadine if you have:

• problems with your liver or kidneys
• heart disease

Fexofenadine and other medications

Before taking fexofenadine, let your doctor know if you are currently taking or plan to take any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications.

Some medications can interfere with the effects of fexofenadine, such as:

• apalutamide for prostate cancer
• indigestion remedies containing aluminium and magnesium – it‘s recommended to leave 2 hours between taking fexofenadine and your indigestion medication

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take fexofenadine 180mg tablets if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you think you might be pregnant, are pregnant, are planning to have a baby, or are breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or midwife for advice before taking fexofenadine tablets.

Fexofenadine is not the only hay fever treatment available. At Superdrug Online Doctor, we offer several hay fever treatments to suit your needs and provide effective symptom relief.

If you are looking for an alternative hay fever treatment to fexofenadine, we can offer the following:

Prescription-only

Telfast

Telfast is a brand name for fexofenadine, which means it contains the same active ingredient, works in the same way, and is available in the same dose. The only difference between the two is the name, price, and inactive ingredients. If fexofenadine is not suitable for you, Telfast is unlikely to be either.

Nasonex

Nasonex is a nasal spray that contains the active ingredient mometasone furoate, which belongs to a group of medications called corticosteroids. Nasonex is sprayed directly up your nose to relieve hay fever symptoms. It works by reducing the inflammation in your nose, relieving sneezing, itching, and a blocked nose. Nasonex worked within 12 hours of the first dose to relieve symptoms in 28% of patients.

Neoclarityn

Neoclarityn is a prescription-only oral antihistamine that blocks the actions of histamine in response to pollen, relieving the symptoms of hay fever. It contains the active ingredient desloratidine. Research shows that 5mg Neoclarityn treatment reduced allergy symptoms effectively for up to 24 hours, with patients reporting significant improvements in symptoms compared to a placebo.

Avamys

A prescription-only nasal spray that treats hay fever and other allergies by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. It contains the active ingredient fluticasone furoate, a type of corticosteroid. It is also available under the brand name Flixonase.

Dymista

A prescription-only nasal spray that combines an antihistamine, azelastine, and a corticosteroid, fluticasone propionate. In a clinical trial comparing Dymista to a marketed fluticasone propionate nasal spray, Dymista reduced nasal allergy symptoms by 50%.

Ryaltris

Ryaltris is another prescription-only nasal spray and contains the active ingredient mometasone, a type of corticosteroid mixed with an antihistamine called olopatadine hydrochloride. Compared to a placebo, Ryaltris improved nasal symptoms, including congestion, sneezing, or nasal itching.

Over the counter

Cetirizine

Cetirizine is an over-the-counter antihistamine that can be taken to relieve hay fever symptoms. It works by blocking the actions of histamine and, like fexofenadine, is a non-drowsy medication. Cetirizine is available as 10mg tablets under the brand names Benadryl Allergy, Priteze Allergy, and Zirtek Allergy. A 6-week study found that daily cetirizine 10mg tablets effectively relieved allergic rhinitis symptoms without affecting lung function in asthmatic patients.

Loratadine

Loratadine, also available under the brand name Clarityn, is an over-the-counter antihistamine. It’s available in 10mg tablets and suitable for use during pregnancy. Loratidine is an effective treatment, and more than 10,000 people have been treated with it in controlled clinical trials.

Does fexofenadine make you drowsy?

No, fexofenadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine, which means it is less likely to make you feel sleepy than other antihistamines. However, drowsiness is listed as a common side effect, so it is important to see how your body reacts to the medication before driving or operating machinery.

What is the difference between fexofenadine and loratadine?

Fexofenadine and loratadine are both second-generation antihistamines that are used to treat allergy symptoms, including those caused by hay fever. Because fexofenadine can work in 1 to 2 hours, it is considered to have a faster onset of action by some compared to loratadine’s 1 to 3 hours.

Some research also shows that fexofenadine is more effective at relieving eye symptoms and nasal congestion compared to loratadine. However, loratadine can be used during pregnancy, unlike fexofenadine.

Can I take fexofenadine in the morning and cetirizine at night?

No, generally it is not recommended that you take fexofenadine in the morning and cetirizine at night. Some doctors may recommend that you take a non-drowsy antihistamine in the morning and a drowsy antihistamine in the evening, but you should only do this under your doctor’s guidance.

Does fexofenadine cause weight gain?

Some research has shown that antihistamine use may contribute to weight gain and obesity. However, weight gain is not listed as a fexofenadine side effect. If you are worried about weight gain while taking fexofenadine, you should speak to your doctor for advice.

Can you overdose on fexofenadine?

Fexofenadine is generally considered safe and well tolerated, and taking too much should not do you harm, but you should only take it as you have been told to by your doctor. If you take more fexofenadine than you should, you may experience more side effects. If you are worried you have taken too much or are concerned about side effects you are experiencing, contact your doctor.

What is the difference between fexofenadine and Telfast?

Telfast is the brand name for the medication containing the active ingredient fexofenadine, a generic antihistamine. Fexofenadine and Telfast are the same medication, but generic fexofenadine is available at a lower cost compared to Telfast.