Fexofenadine: antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms

If you or your child have been prescribed fexofenadine, follow your doctor’s instructions about how and when to take it.

Dosage

Fexofenadine comes as tablets in different strengths: 30mg, 120mg and 180mg.

How much you take depends on why you’re taking it.

The usual dose for treating hay fever is:

• 120mg once a day for adults and children aged 12 years and over
• 30mg twice a day for children aged 6 to 11 years, with the doses spaced 10 to 12 hours apart

The usual dose for treating hives is 180mg once a day for adults and children aged 12 years and over.

Fexofenadine is not recommended for treating hives in children under 12.

How to take it

If you’re taking 30mg fexofenadine tablets, you can take them with or without food.

If you’re taking 120mg or 180mg fexofenadine tablets, take them before a meal.

Always take your fexofenadine tablets with a drink of water. Swallow them whole – do not chew them.

When to take it

Try to take fexofenadine tablets at about the same time every day. Choose a time that is easy to remember.

You may only need to take fexofenadine on a day you have symptoms, such as when you’ve been exposed to something you’re allergic to, like animal hair.

Or you may need to take it regularly to prevent symptoms, such as to stop hay fever during spring and summer.

What if I forget to take it?

If you’re taking fexofenadine once a day, take your forgotten dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you forget to give a dose to a child who is taking fexofenadine twice a day, you can give the dose if it’s within 4 hours of when they should have had it.

If you remember more than 4 hours after, do not give the missed dose. Instead, wait until the next dose and carry on as normal.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

What if I take too much?

Fexofenadine is generally very safe. Taking more than your usual dose is unlikely to harm you.

If you take an extra dose, you might get some of the common side effects. If this happens or you’re concerned, contact your doctor.