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How Many Hay Fever Tablets are you Allowed to Take?

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The dosage of most over-the-counter hay fever tablets is once daily; however, this doesn’t apply to all antihistamines.
The dosage amount depends on the type of antihistamine, your age, overall health, and any other medications you're using. These factors are all important because exceeding the recommended dose can cause unwanted side effects.
In this guide, we’ll break down how dosing works, when you can take more under medical supervision, and why it’s important to stick to safe limits.

 

Key Findings

  • Hay fever tablets like Cetirizine or Loratadine are limited to one 10mg tablet per day for adults. 
  • Do not take more than your recommended dose; it can increase the risk of side effects. 
  • Always follow guidance, as dosage can differ for people with certain health conditions.

How Many Hay Fever Tablets Can You Take?

According to NHS guidelines, most hay fever tablets, typically over-the-counter antihistamines, are intended to be taken once per day. 

Taking more than the recommended dose won’t improve your symptoms and could cause side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, or an even more serious reaction.  

Dosage can vary depending on the specific medication. You should also take your age, weight, and any underlying health conditions into consideration. For example, fexofenadine 180mg is a prescription-only option often used once daily for more severe symptoms.  

Always check the patient information leaflet or seek medical advice from a pharmacist or GP before taking extra doses, combining different antihistamines, or giving them to children. 

If you do have any doubts, stick to the stated dose and seek medical advice if your symptoms aren’t improving. 

Antihistamine Medication: Dosage Guide

Antihistamines

The most commonly used antihistamines for hay fever symptoms are typically cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine. For most adults, the standard dose of non-drowsy antihistamines is 10 mg once daily. 

However, keep in mind that some antihistamines have different dosages, so you should follow the medical advice given to you.   

Never exceed the recommended dose without supervision, and be cautious about mixing different antihistamines or combining them with alcohol or other medications. 

Corticosteroids

Nasal sprays such as Beconase and Fluticasone contain corticosteroids and tackle hay fever symptoms by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. They work best when used consistently, as they take a few days to reach full effect.  

Dosage for adults is typically 1–2 sprays per nostril once or twice a day. Long-term or high-dose use of corticosteroids needs to be monitored to avoid side effects such as insomnia, nosebleeds, and mood changes. 

Decongestants and Other Medications

If you’re looking for short-term relief, decongestants like pseudoephedrine, commonly known as Sudafed, help clear a blocked nose by reducing swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages.  

They may be recommended by your doctor if you’re not getting any success with antihistamines alone. Dosage is typically no more than 7 days in a row because overuse can lead to rebound congestion, which is where symptoms worsen once you stop using it.  

If you notice any changes in side effects or feel it's no longer working as it should, speak to your GP or pharmacist so they can review and adjust your treatment.  

Things That Affect Your Medicine Dosage

Individual Health Conditions

The way your body responds to medication may be very different from another person who is taking the same dosage, and therefore, dosages may need to be fine-tuned.  

According to the NHS, some antihistamines may not be appropriate for people with underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease, or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.  

This is why it’s important to disclose any medical conditions so that your dosage can be tailored to minimise adverse effects. 

Age Considerations

Age is important when determining appropriate medication dosages. This is because changes across the lifespan can significantly affect how drugs are processed in the body.  

For example, older adults may experience reduced liver and kidney function due to aging, leading to drugs taking longer to leave the body and a higher risk of adverse effects.  

Older adults are typically started on a lower dosage, which is gradually increased when recommended by a doctor. This is why age must be considered when dosing antihistamines.  

Interactions With Other Medications

When multiple medications are taken at the same time, they may interact in ways that enhance or reduce each other's effects or increase the risk of side effects. 

For example, one drug might change how quickly another is broken down by affecting liver enzymes. This can lead to the drug being absorbed in smaller amounts or reaching harmful levels in the body. 

People with chronic conditions who take multiple medications every day may face problems if the drugs compete for the same binding sites or if the way their body absorbs the drugs in the digestive system changes. 

So, your doctor must review any current medications and dosages to avoid harmful interactions.  

When to Seek Medical Attention

Symptoms Persisting or Worsening

If symptoms persist or worsen despite following the prescribed treatment plan, it’s time to get medical advice.  

Continual or intensifying symptoms may suggest that the current medication is not effective or that your diagnosis may need to be reassessed. Ignoring these signs can lead to prolonged discomfort or more serious health issues.  

New or worsening symptoms might be a sign of a bad reaction or interaction between medications. Getting medical help quickly can prevent more serious health problems and help you recover faster. 

Experiencing Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms

Some side effects may be manageable, but others can be serious. Overdose symptoms such as confusion, extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, or unconsciousness are medical emergencies and should be treated as such. 

You should also get urgent medical treatment if you notice any difficulty breathing, chest pain, or blurred vision.  

Quick intervention can prevent complications and ensure that treatment is adjusted to better suit your specific needs.  

Regular Medication Reviews

Over time, changes in your health condition, age, weight, or lifestyle may affect how your body responds to familiar medications.  

Regular reviews with your GP will help to assess whether they’re still necessary, check for potential drug interactions, and make adjustments to dosages as needed.  

By staying proactive, you can help optimise your treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. 

Start Your Journey with Chemist Click

Take control of your hay fever symptoms with expert support and convenient access to effective treatments.  

Chemist Click offers a range of clinically approved hay fever medications, including antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays to help relieve sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and nasal congestion.  

Our online consultation service makes it easy to get the right treatment quickly, without the need for a GP visit.  Whether you're dealing with mild discomfort or more persistent hay fever, we're here to help you breathe easier and feel better. 

FAQs

How Many Allergy Pills can I take?

For most over-the-counter non-drowsy antihistamines like Cetirizine, Loratadine, or Fexofenadine, the typical adult dose is usually 10 mg once daily. However, this may not apply to everyone, and safe daily dosage depends on the specific type and strength of the medication. 

How Many 10mg Antihistamines can I take?

Most people can usually take one 10mg antihistamine tablet per day.  If you feel that one tablet is not controlling your symptoms, speak to a doctor or pharmacist before increasing the dose or switching medications. 

Is it OK to take Three Antihistamines?

No, it is not safe to take three antihistamines in a single day without medical supervision. Taking multiple antihistamines can increase the risk of serious side effects.  

Is it OK to take Two Allergy Pills in 24 Hours?

This depends on the type of allergy pill and the dosage strength. For most common non-drowsy antihistamines, it’s typically one a day. However, in certain cases, a doctor may recommend splitting the dose or temporarily increasing it, but this is only done under supervision. 

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Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

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