Fexofenadine - Fexofenadine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking a substance in the body called histamine. This helps to decrease allergy symptoms.
Treating seasonal allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy throat, or itchy, watery eyes. It is also used to treat hives and skin itching. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Do NOT use Fexofenadine if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Fexofenadine
Before using Fexofenadine:
Some medical conditions may interact with Fexofenadine . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have kidney problems or trouble urinating
Some medicines may interact with Fexofenadine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Erythromycin or ketoconazole because they may increase the risk of Fexofenadine's side effects
How to use Fexofenadine:
Use Fexofenadine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Fexofenadine by mouth with or without food.
- Take Fexofenadine with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL).
- Do not drink fruit juice at the same time that you take Fexofenadine. Certain fruit juices (eg, grapefruit, apple, orange) may decrease Fexofenadine 's effectiveness.
- If you take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium, do not take them at the same time as Fexofenadine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take them with Fexofenadine.
- If you miss a dose of Fexofenadine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Important safety information:
- Fexofenadine may cause dizziness. It does not usually cause drowsiness when used under normal circumstances at the recommended doses. However, these effects may be worse if you take Fexofenadine with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Fexofenadine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Do not take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
- Fexofenadine may interfere with skin allergy tests. If you are scheduled for a skin test, talk to your doctor. You may need to stop taking Fexofenadine for a few days before the tests.
- Use Fexofenadine with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
- Fexofenadine should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 6 months old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- Pregnancy and breast feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Fexofenadine while you are pregnant. It is not known if Fexofenadine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Fexofenadine , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Fexofenadine:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:
- Dizziness
- headache
- stomach upset.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); earache; fever; severe or persistent coughing or vomiting.
