Can You Buy Fexofenadine Over The Counter?

Yes, fexofenadine is available over the counter in the UK, but the rules depend on the strength.

Fexofenadine 120mg is available without a prescription for hay fever. It is classed as a General Sales List medicine, which means it can be sold in pharmacies and some non-pharmacy retail settings.

Fexofenadine 180mg is usually used for hives. Some 180mg products are classed as Pharmacy medicines, meaning they can be supplied without a prescription from a pharmacy, but a pharmacist may need to check that it is suitable for you.

The main over-the-counter strength for hay fever is fexofenadine 120mg.

For most adults and children aged 12 and over, the usual dose of fexofenadine for hay fever is 120mg once daily. For hives, the usual dose is 180mg once daily.

Yes, fexofenadine 120mg can be bought over the counter in the UK. It is commonly used for hay fever symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and watery eyes.

You should take one 120mg tablet once daily, unless a healthcare professional has told you otherwise. It should be swallowed whole with water, usually before food.

Do not take more than the recommended dose if your symptoms are not controlled; this can increase the chances of experiencing side effects. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor, as you may need a different treatment plan, such as a nasal spray, eye drops or an alternative antihistamine.

Fexofenadine 180mg is mainly used for hives, also known as chronic urticaria. Some 180mg fexofenadine products are available as Pharmacy medicines in the UK, which means they can be supplied without a prescription by a pharmacy.

However, 180mg is not the usual over-the-counter strength for hay fever. If you are buying fexofenadine for hay fever, the usual strength is 120mg once daily.

You should speak to a pharmacist or doctor before using 180mg fexofenadine if you:

• are taking it for the first time
• are unsure whether your rash is hives
• have symptoms lasting longer than 6 weeks
• have swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat
• have breathing difficulty or wheezing
• have heart disease
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver problems
• are taking other medicines

You do not usually need a prescription for fexofenadine 120mg when it is being used for hay fever in adults and children aged 12 and over; or, if you are using fexofenadine 180mg for hives. For fexofenadine 180mg, you will need a consultation with a pharmacist or trained pharmacy personnel.

You may need a prescription if:

• your symptoms are severe or unusual
• you are taking other medicines
• you have certain medical conditions
• you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• treatment has not worked and you need further assessment
• You are taking a higher dose that what has been licensed

You should speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking fexofenadine if you:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have heart disease or a history of palpitations
• have kidney or liver problems
• are elderly and have other medical conditions
• are taking other regular medicines
• have a rash that is painful, blistering or spreading quickly
• have swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throathttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-assessment-report-of-the-reclassification-of-allevia-120mg-tablets/par-reclassification-of-allevia-120mg-tablets-from-prescription-only-medicine-pom-to-general-sales-list-gsl
• have breathing problems, wheezing or chest tightness

Seek urgent medical help if you have symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, faintness or collapse.