What Are The Side Effects Of Fexofenadine?

Fexofenadine hydrochloride tablets are generally well tolerated, but like all medicines, it can cause side effects in some people. The most commonly reported side effects include headache, feeling sleepy, nausea and dizziness.

Most side effects are mild and may improve as your body gets used to the medicine. However, you should speak to a pharmacist or doctor if side effects are severe, persistent or affecting your daily activities.

Common side effects are those that may affect more than 1 in 100 people.

Although fexofenadine is described as a non-drowsy antihistamine, it can still cause sleepiness in some people.

Serious side effects are uncommon, but they can happen.

Seek urgent medical help if you develop symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as:

• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• difficulty breathing
• tightness in the chest
• severe skin rash
• fainting or feeling like you may collapse

These symptoms could suggest a serious allergic reaction and should be treated as a medical emergency.

Fexofenadine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine. This means it is less likely to cause sleepiness than older antihistamines, such as chlorphenamine or promethazine.

However, some people still feel sleepy or less alert after taking fexofenadine. If this happens, do not drive, cycle or operate machinery until you feel fully awake and alert.

If sleepiness continues, speak to a pharmacist or doctor. Another antihistamine may be more suitable.

Yes. Headache is one of the most commonly reported side effects of fexofenadine.

A mild headache may improve with rest, fluids and time. If the headache is severe, persistent or unusual for you, speak to a healthcare professional.

You should also check whether dehydration, poor sleep, alcohol, other medicines or your allergy symptoms could be contributing to the headache.

Yes. Some people may feel dizzy after taking fexofenadine.

If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down until it passes. Avoid alcohol and avoid driving or using machinery if you feel light-headed or unsteady.

If dizziness continues or feels severe, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.

In most cases, the side effects associated with taking fexofenadine are mild, and will not require medical attention. However, if your side effects do not go away, or they appear to be serious, including but not limited to trouble breathing, swelling of the face, throat, or lips, you should seek emergency medical help. These are signs of an allergic reaction.

Yes. Feeling sick or nauseous can happen with fexofenadine.

Taking fexofenadine before food with water may help. Avoid rich, greasy or spicy meals if nausea occurs.

If nausea is severe, persistent or associated with vomiting, abdominal pain or dehydration, seek medical advice.

Fexofenadine 180mg can cause similar side effects to other strengths of fexofenadine. These may include headache, drowsiness, nausea and dizziness.

The 180mg strength is a higher dose and is commonly used for hives and persistent allergy symptoms. Do not take more than the recommended dose of fexofenadine unless advised by a healthcare professional.

Fexofenadine 120mg can also cause side effects, although many people take it without problems. The most common side effects are similar to the 180mg dose and include headache, drowsiness, nausea and dizziness.

Fexofenadine 120mg is commonly used for hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and itchy throat.

There is no strong evidence that fexofenadine commonly causes long-term side effects when taken as directed. Many people use it during allergy seasons or for ongoing allergy symptoms without major problems.

However, you should speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you need fexofenadine every day for a long time, your symptoms are not controlled, or you develop new or persistent side effects.

You should not keep increasing the dose without medical advice.

Palpitations and a fast or irregular heartbeat have been reported with fexofenadine, but the frequency is not known.

If you notice chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness, a fast heartbeat or an irregular heartbeat after taking fexofenadine, seek medical advice urgently.

People with existing heart problems should check with a pharmacist or doctor before taking fexofenadine.

Sleep problems, nervousness, insomnia and bad dreams have been reported, but they are not among the most common side effects.

If you feel anxious, restless or unable to sleep after taking fexofenadine, try taking it earlier in the day and speak to a pharmacist if symptoms continue.

Alcohol is not usually listed as a direct interaction with fexofenadine, but it can make side effects such as dizziness, tiredness or drowsiness worse.

If fexofenadine makes you sleepy or light-headed, avoid alcohol.

You may be more likely to experience side effects or need extra caution if you:

• are older
• have kidney or liver problems
• have heart problems
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• take other medicines
• take more than the recommended dose
• are sensitive to antihistamines

Always read the patient leaflet and ask a pharmacist if you are unsure whether fexofenadine is suitable for you.

Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:

• side effects do not go away
• side effects are severe or affecting daily life
• you feel very sleepy, dizzy or unwell
• your allergy symptoms are not improving
• you need fexofenadine every day for a long period
• you have heart, kidney or liver problems
• you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Seek urgent medical help if you develop breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, chest pain, fainting or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Fexofenadine is a commonly used non-drowsy antihistamine and is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are headache, feeling sleepy, nausea and dizziness.

Although serious side effects are rare, it is important to know when to seek help. If you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, breathing difficulty, chest tightness or a severe rash, seek urgent medical attention.

If side effects are mild, they may improve with time. If they continue or affect your daily activities, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.