fexofenadine
Fexofenadine (Allegra) is an antihistamine. It's used to ease symptoms of allergy and hives in adults and children. Fexofenadine (Allegra) can be found over the counter as a tablet, fast-melting tablet, and liquid. This medication is taken once or twice per day, depending on the formulation. Fexofenadine (Allegra) starts to work in about 2 hours and its effects can last up to 24 hours. Fexofenadine (Allegra) doesn't make you as drowsy compared to some other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Other possible side effects of fexofenadine (Allegra) include headache and dry mouth.
What is Fexofenadine (Allegra)?
What is Fexofenadine (Allegra) used for?
- Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose or throat)
- Treatment of hives
How Fexofenadine (Allegra) works
Fexofenadine (Allegra) is a second-generation antihistamine. It blocks histamine, a natural chemical in your body that can cause allergy symptoms like itchiness, itchy eyes, or runny nose. By blocking histamine, fexofenadine (Allegra) helps relieve allergy symptoms.
Drug facts
Side effects of Fexofenadine (Allegra)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Less Common Side Effects
- Cough
- Upper respiratory tract infection
Fexofenadine (Allegra) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Accidentally taking too much medication: fast heartbeat, flushing, extreme sleepiness, changes in vision, irritability in children
More on Fexofenadine (Allegra) side effects
The following Fexofenadine (Allegra) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Cough
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Upset stomach
Get your GoodRx coupon
Pros and cons of Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Pros
- First-choice option for relieving allergy symptoms
- Some products can also be used to relieve itchiness from hives.
- Available as 12-hour and 24-hour tablets, as well as a liquid and quick-dissolving tablets for those who have a hard time swallowing pills
- All formulations available over the counter
Cons
- Liquid form might not be the best choice for people on a low-salt diet because it contains sodium
- Once-daily formulations not recommended for children younger than 12 years old
- Might have a higher risk of side effects if you have liver or kidney problems
- Can cause headache
Pharmacist tips for Fexofenadine (Allegra)
- Fexofenadine (Allegra) can be taken only when you have allergy symptoms every once in a while. But if you have allergy symptoms on a daily basis, taking it regularly according to the manufacturer's directions can give you the most relief.
- Take fexofenadine (Allegra) with water only. Don't take it with fruit juices because they can affect how well fexofenadine (Allegra) gets absorbed into your body.
- If you're pregnant, discuss with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking fexofenadine (Allegra) before using. It's not completely clear if fexofenadine (Allegra) is safe to take during pregnancy, but studies suggest that the medication doesn't appear to raise the risk of harm in unborn babies when used during pregnancy.
- Talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of taking fexofenadine (Allegra) while breastfeeding. There's little information about fexofenadine (Allegra) use while breastfeeding and the effects it has on breast milk or nursing infants.
- For the liquid form: Use a medication dose cup or an oral syringe to measure your dose of fexofenadine (Allegra). Ask your pharmacist to provide you with one if the product doesn't include it in its packaging or if you need extras. Don't use household spoons because they might not be accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose.
- For the orally disintegrating tablet: Place the tablet on your tongue, and let it dissolve in your mouth. You can take it with or without water.
- Don't use other antihistamines while taking fexofenadine (Allegra) without talking to your HCP or pharmacist first. Doing so can raise your risk of taking too much medication (overdose). This can lead to severe side effects, including seizures, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real), and even death.
- Avoid taking fexofenadine (Allegra) and antacids containing aluminum or magnesium (e.g., Mylanta, Rolaids) within 15 minutes of each other. Taking these products too close to the allergy medication can affect how well fexofenadine (Allegra) gets absorbed into your body. This can potentially make fexofenadine (Allegra) not work as well to treat your allergies.
- Store fexofenadine (Allegra) up and away from children and pets. That way, they're less likely to reach it and accidentally take the medication. If you think your child accidentally took the medication, call a Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.
For relieving itchiness from hives
- Some formulations of fexofenadine (Allegra) can be used to help relieve itchiness from hives. But if you have hives that happen with any trouble breathing, speaking, or swallowing; dizziness; swelling in or around your mouth; or drooling; get emergency help right away. These can be signs of a severe allergy or anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
- Stop using fexofenadine (Allegra) to relieve hives and contact a provider if your symptoms don't get better after 3 days of taking the medication or if your hives last more than 6 weeks. There might be a better treatment for you.
More on Fexofenadine (Allegra) tips
Common questions about Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Fexofenadine (Allegra) takes about 2 hours to start working.
How long the side effects from fexofenadine (Allegra) last hasn't been well-studied. But in general, most side effects are mild and can be managed with lifestyle changes. For example, the most common side effect of fexofenadine (Allegra) is headache. One way to ease headache is by staying hydrated throughout the day. If appropriate, your primary care provider (PCP) might recommend an over-the-counter pain medication to help with the pain. Let your PCP know if any of the side effects are bothersome or don't get better over time. They might suggest a different medication to help with your allergy or hives.
Yes, it's possible for fexofenadine (Allegra) to make you drowsy (sleepy). But drowsiness isn't as common with fexofenadine (Allegra) as with some other antihistamines, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl). This is because fexofenadine (Allegra) is a second-generation antihistamine that isn't as likely to cross into the brain compared to first-generation antihistamines. Let your primary care provider or pharmacist know if fexofenadine (Allegra) is making you too drowsy to go about your day. They might ask you to consider other options.
Typically, the maximum dose of fexofenadine (Allegra) ranges from 120 mg to 180 mg daily for adults, depending on which product you're taking. The maximum daily dose and age cut-off of fexofenadine (Allegra) for children also differs depending on the product. Follow the instructions on the manufacturer's label for specific directions. But if your healthcare professional (HCP) prescribes a different dose than what's on the manufacturer's label, follow your HCP's instructions instead. Ask your pharmacist or HCP if you're not sure what dose of fexofenadine (Allegra) you should take.
No, you should avoid taking fexofenadine (Allegra) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) together, unless instructed by your primary care provider. They're both antihistamines and taking them together raises your risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. If you want to switch from fexofenadine (Allegra) to diphenhydramine (Benadryl), start diphenhydramine (Benadryl) at least 24 hours after your last fexofenadine (Allegra) dose. Talk to your pharmacist or HCP if you have questions on which medication is right for you.
It depends on the Mucinex product. Mucinex is the brand name of multiple different combination medications with different ingredients. Some Mucinex products contain triprolidine, which is an antihistamine. You shouldn't take fexofenadine (Allegra) with any other antihistamines. But if your Mucinex product doesn't have any antihistamines, it's likely that you can take it with fexofenadine (Allegra) as long as you don't have other health conditions that make the combination unsafe. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure if you can take a particular Mucinex product with fexofenadine (Allegra).
Fexofenadine (Allegra) and loratadine (Claritin) are both oral second-generation antihistamines that work well to treat allergies and have only minor differences. Among the second-generation antihistamines, fexofenadine (Allegra) might be the least likely to cause sleepiness. In addition, both medications are available as tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and liquid. But loratadine (Claritin) also come as chewable tablets. Discuss with your HCP or pharmacist about which antihistamine is best for you.
It's best to avoid drinking alcohol with antihistamines like fexofenadine (Allegra). Doing so raises your risk of drowsiness (sleepiness) and dizziness.
How to save using GoodRx
Risks and warnings for Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Fexofenadine (Allegra) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Accidentally taking too much medication
Fexofenadine (Allegra) and other antihistamines can be found in many over-the-counter products. Taking too much fexofenadine (Allegra) or using more than one medication containing an antihistamine (including products used on the skin) can lead to an accidental overdose. This can cause serious side effects, such as seizures, hallucinations, or even death.
To prevent an accidental overdose, read package labels carefully. If you're not sure if a product has an antihistamine, ask your pharmacist. Don't start any new medications while taking fexofenadine (Allegra) without talking to your HCP or pharmacist first. If you think you or your loved one has taken too much medication, get medical help right away or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablet only
The fexofenadine (Allegra) orally disintegrating tablets contain phenylalanine, a component of the artificial sweetener aspartame. If you have a genetic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU), taking this form of the medication can be dangerous for you. Read the manufacturer's label on the fexofenadine (Allegra) product you have to see if there's a warning for people with PKU. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure if a particular fexofenadine (Allegra) is safe for you. There are other formulations of the medication that might be safer for you.
Fexofenadine (Allegra) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 hour | 60 tablets | $11.96 | $0.20 |
| 24 hour | 30 tablets | $7.66 | $0.26 |
Typical dosage for Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Different formulations of fexofenadine (Allegra) have different dosing directions and age-cut offs. Make sure to follow the instructions on the manufacturer's label for specific directions for your product. Some examples include:
- Age 65 years and older: Ask your healthcare professional (HCP).
- Age 12 to under 65 years: The typical dose is 1 tablet (60 mg) by mouth every 12 hours. Don't take more than 2 tablets within a 24-hour period.
- Age younger than 12 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.
- Age 65 years and older: Ask your HCP.
- Age 12 to under 65 years: The typical dose is 1 tablet (180 mg) by mouth once per day. Don't take more than 1 tablet within a 24-hour period.
- Age younger than 12 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.
Fexofenadine oral suspension: Each 5 mL contains 30 mg of fexofenadine.
- Age 65 years and older: Ask your HCP.
- Age 12 to under 65 years: The typical dose is 10 mL by mouth every 12 hours. Don't take more than 20 mL within a 24-hour period.
- Age 2 to up to 12 years of age: The typical dose is 5 mL by mouth every 12 hours. Don't take more than 10 mL within a 24-hour period.
- Age younger than 2 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.
Fexofenadine orally disintegrating tablet
- Age 65 years and older: Ask your HCP.
- Age 12 to under 65 years: The typical dose is 2 tablets (60 mg total) dissolved on the tongue every 12 hours on an empty stomach. Don't take more than 4 tablets within a 24-hour period.
- Age 6 to under 12 years: The typical dose is 1 tablet (30 mg total) dissolved on the tongue every 12 hours on an empty stomach. Don't take more than 2 tablets within a 24-hour period.
- Age younger than 6 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.
More on Fexofenadine (Allegra) dosage
How much does Fexofenadine (Allegra) cost?
What are alternatives to Fexofenadine (Allegra)?
News about Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Fexofenadine (Allegra) images
