Fexofenadine is useful for treating allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itching , red and watery eyes, runny or stuffy nose , wheezing or shortness of breath, and hives .
Fexofenadine belongs to the group of antihistamines. Fexofenadine works by blocking the effects of histamine, which is a natural substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms when the body is exposed to an allergen.
Fexofenadine is usually used to relieve symptoms in allergic rhinitis ( hay fever ) and chronic hives.
Fexofenadine trademarks: Fexoven OD, Telfast, Telfast BD, Telfast HD, Telfast OD, Telfast Plus
What is Fexofenadine
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Antihistamine |
| Benefit | Relieves symptoms of allergic rhinitis and chronic hives |
| Consumed by | Adults and children ≥6 months |
| Fexofenadine for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C: Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women.
Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether fexofenadine is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, consult the use of this drug first with your doctor. |
| Drug form | Film-coated tablets, slow-release tablets, film-coated caplets |
Precautions Before Taking Fexofenadine
Fexofenadine should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Below are some things you need to pay attention to before using fexofenadine:
- Do not take this drug if you are allergic to fexofenadine.
- Tell your doctor if you have or currently have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease , or epilepsy .
- Tell your doctor if you are taking other medicines, including supplements or herbal products, to anticipate drug interactions.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking fexofenadine when you plan to have an allergy test, because this drug can affect the results of allergy tests . Ask your doctor how long you should stop taking fexofenadine before the test.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness while being treated with fexofenadine, because this drug may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or headache.
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages while undergoing treatment with fexofenadine.
- Immediately go to the doctor if a severe drug allergic reaction appears after taking fexofenadine.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Fexofenadine
The dosage and duration of use of fexofenadine will be determined by the doctor according to the patient's age and health condition. The following details the general dosage of fexofenadine based on the patient's condition and age:
Condition: Allergic rhinitis
- Adults and children ≥12 years: 120 mg once daily. Alternate doses 60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once daily.
- Children 2–11 years: 30 mg 2 times daily.
Condition: Long -term (chronic) hives
- Adult: 180 mg once daily.
- Children aged ≥12 years : 60 mg 2 times a day or 180 mg 1 time a day.
- Children 2–11 years: 30 mg 2 times daily.
- Children 6–24 months: 15 mg 2 times daily.
How to Take Fexofenadine Correctly
Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the information printed on the drug packaging label before taking fexofenadine. Do not reduce or increase the dose consumed without consulting a doctor.
Fexofenadine should be taken on an empty stomach. Swallow fexofenadine tablets whole with a glass of water.
If you need to take antacids, make sure there is at least 2 hours between taking them.
Avoid taking fexofenadine with fatty foods or fruit juices, because it can decrease the absorption of fexofenadine.
Try to always take fexofenadine at the same time every day so that the drug is more effective. Usually, fexofenadine only needs to be consumed until the allergy is getting better.
If you forget to take fexofenadine, do it as soon as you remember if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore the dose and do not double the next dose.
Store fexofenadine in a cool, dry place and keep the drug out of reach of children.
Fexofenadine Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are interactions that can occur when fexofenadine is used with certain drugs:
- Increased risk of side effects from fexofenadine when used with erythromycin or ketoconazole
- Increased effects and risk of side effects from fexofenadine when used with isocarboxazid or tranylcypromine
- Decreased absorption of fexofenadine when used at the same time or in close proximity to antacids containing aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide
Fexofenadine Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that may occur after consuming fexofenadine are:
- Stomach ache
- Headache or dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nauseous
- Dry mouth
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Fever, chills, not feeling well
- A cough appears, or an existing cough gets worse
- Symptoms of an ear infection, such as ear pain, hearing loss, or discharge from the ear