How do Antihistamines work?
Two types of antihistamines are used for allergies. They are known as first-generation and second-generation antihistamines.
All About Fexofenadine Hydrochloride
If you find yourself in bouts of sneezing after you’ve been outside, chances are that you have allergic rhinitis. This condition may also bring about other reactions such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. That’s where fexofenadine comes in. Although the name sounds very scientific, and perhaps a little intimidating, it’s an active component in Telfast products, and it is very helpful in treating allergic rhinitis and hives. Read on to discover how fexofenadine works, the required dosage, and potential side effects.
What Is Fexofenadine Used For?
To put things simply, fexofenadine is an antihistamine that temporarily relieves allergy symptoms. Whether you are dealing with outdoor allergens, like pollen, or indoor ones, like pet dander and dust mites, fexofenadine can help take relief allergy symptoms.
Allergies can strike people of any age, as both children and adults can experience allergies, with unwanted symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat1 , and hives.
So, how does fexofenadine work? It’s known as a second-generation antihistamine drug, which means that it provides relief by attaching to the histamine receptors (H1) in the body, blocking and relieving these unwanted allergy symptoms, all while being non-drowsy.
Fexofenadine in Telfast Products
Telfast can relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, hives, and a runny nose thanks to fexofenadine. You can choose between non-drowsy 12-hour and 24- hour relief tablets to relieve allergy symptoms.
How and When to Take Fexofenadine (and When You Shouldn’t)
Perennial allergic rhinitis is an allergy that persists all year round, such as a reaction to allergens such as house dust, animal dander or fungal spores.
Telfast offers a range of fexofenadine products that can relieve allergy symptoms, such as Telfast 60mg tablets, Telfast 120mg tablets, Telfast 180mg tablets, and more.
Children aged 12 and above, and adults, can take one 180 mg tablet with water each day. For children under 12, you can use a children’s product such as Telfast Oral Liquid For Kids. It’s not advisable to take more than one tablet of 180 mg fexofenadine in 24 hours, and it’s also not recommended for people who are:
- above the age of 65
- have kidney disease.
For further instructions, follow the directions of use on the product label.
Although fexofenadine is safe to use, you have to use the product as directed to ensure you stay safe.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
You shouldn’t take fexofenadine if:
- you’ve had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
Consult your doctor before taking fexofenadine or Telfast if:
- you have kidney disease.
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
When using fexofenadine, do not:
- take more than directed.
- take it with aluminum or magnesium antacids.
- take it with fruit juices like orange, apple, or grapefruit.2, 3
Potential Side Effects
Like with any medication, adverse results can arise with the use of fexofenadine. Make sure you check the warnings on the product label for any potential side effects.3
When should you go to the doctor?
Although side effects from fexofenadine are rare, fexofenadine is generally safe to use. If you notice any of the following, seek immediate medical attention:
- fast and irregular heartbeat
- limpness
- sudden swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, and throat
- fainting and being unable to be woken up
- rash that gets swollen, itchy, or blistered3
- prolonged allergy symptoms.
FAQ
Fexofenadine tablets come in different strengths like 60mg, 120mg and 180mg and should be taken by adults. Fexofenadine offers effective, fast-acting, and non-drowsy relief with no impact on concentration.3,5,6
Yes, you can take fexofenadine regularly if you are using it to relieve symptoms of conditions like hay fever. Ensure to take it as directed on the package label.
For fexofenadine to work effectively, avoid taking it with grapefruit, apple, or orange juice, as it can affect the bioavailability of the drug. You should also avoid taking it with green tea, as this also lowers the drugs’ efficacy.4
Fexofenadine, the active ingredient in Telfast, is a non-drowsy antihistamine that is helpful in treating allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, a runny nose, and hives. It can be used by people over 12 years old. For proper use, make sure you follow the directions on the product package, and consult your doctor if your symptoms continue even after using Telfast.
Related articles
- Fexofenadine in Allegra Fexofenadine: antihistamine medicine that relieves allergy symptoms - NHS
- https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/grapefruit-juice-and-some-drugs-dontmix#:~:text=Fexofenadine%20may%20also%20not%20work,not%20take%20with%20fruit%20juices.%E2%80%9D
- Fexofenadine: antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- Craun KL, Schury MP. Fexofenadine. [Updated 2022 Dec 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: NCBI - WWW Error Blocked Diagnostic
- Ansotegui et al. (2024). Curr Med Res Opin, 40(8), 1297-1309. Sponsored by Sanofi.
- Meltzer et al. (2021). Allergy Asth Clin Immunol J, 17(1), 113. Sponsored by Sanofi.