Fexofenadine, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antihistamine

Generic and brand names: fexofenadine, oral; Allegra

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergy such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose and throat, and itchy, watery, and red eyes. It is also used to treat hives.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I take it?

Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more than prescribed.

Take this medicine with water only. Drinking fruit juices may make this medicine less effective. Take this medicine 2 hours before or after you take an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What should I watch out for?

Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve in a few days or if it gets worse.

Although unlikely, this medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider): Severe headache or sinus pressure, irregular heartbeat.

Other: Headache, nausea, dry mouth, stomach upset, cough, throat irritation, dizziness, back pain, fever, fatigue, painful menstrual periods.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• antacids containing aluminum or magnesium such as Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, Pepcid Complete, and Amphojel (Take antacids 2 hours before or after you take this medicine.)
• grapefruit, orange, or apple juice
• rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.