Fexofenadine (Telfast) tablets

Fexofenadine is a fast-acting non-dowsy antihistamine that helps with the symptoms of allergies.

It works by blocking the immune response, which prevents symptoms of hay fever such as sneezing; a blocked or runny nose; itchy, red or watery eyes and an itchy throat.

Are Fexofenadine and Telfast the same?

Fexofenadine hydrochloride is the active ingredient in brands such as Telfast, Allegra, Almerg, Allevia and Treathay. It is also sold under the generic name ‘Fexofenadine’ (after its active ingredient).

Both branded and generic medicines contain the same medicine however, the other added ingredients may be different. Generic medicines are also often a lot cheaper than branded medicines.

Fexofenadine is used to treat a range of conditions including:

• hay fever
• hives (urticaria)
• reactions to insect bites and stings
• some food allergies

Uses of Fexofenadine

Hay fever

Hives (urticaria)

Insect bite and sting reactions

Food allergies

It is mainly used for symptoms caused by hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis). These usually occur when your body comes into contact with allergens such as pollen, pet dander, mould and dust mites.

Fexofenadine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the action of a chemical called histamine in your body.

During an allergic reaction, the allergen (pollen, pet dander or dust mites) enters your body through your nose, eyes or mouth. Your body detects it and mistakes it as a harmful substance.

In response, your body produces the chemical histamine which then triggers an immune response to that allergen. This is what causes allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, and itching.

Fexofenadine binds to histamine receptors and blocks the effects of histamine on these receptors, which reduces allergy symptoms.

It starts to work within 1 hour of taking it, and effects should last for up to 24 hours.

The usual dose for treating hay fever in adults is 120mg once a day.

Fexofenadine is also available as a 30mg and 180mg dose. The 30mg dose is typically prescribed to treat hay fever in children. If you require treatment for a child, please speak to your GP.

The 180mg Fexofenadine dose is used to treat chronic idiopathic urticaria. This is when hives or welts last for more than six weeks and return over months or years. Often, the cause of chronic hives isn't clear. It is also sometimes prescribed off-label for hay fever, where a stronger dose is needed.

For hay fever, you should take one 120mg tablet once daily at the same time each day, before a meal. Swallow the tablet whole, with a glass of water.

You can just take Fexofenadine on the days you need it, for example when you develop or anticipate symptoms (i.e. when the pollen count is high). It can be restarted if the symptoms come back. Some people take Fexofenadine for a few weeks when their allergies are a problem, such as in spring. Others take it long-term to help control allergy symptoms.

It is not harmful if you miss your dose. If this happens, just take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose. If you take too many Fexofenadine tablets, you may be at risk of side effects. Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine.

Fexofenadine is suitable for most people to treat hay fever or hives. However, some patients with certain medical conditions may need additional monitoring by their doctor.

You should not take Fexofenadine if you are allergic to the active ingredient or any other added ingredients in this medication.

Fexofenadine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

• have problems with your liver or kidneys
• have, or have ever had, heart problems
• have epilepsy or another condition that causes seizures or fits

Fexofenadine is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding unless you have been advised to take it by your doctor. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or think you may be pregnant, please consult your doctor before using this medication. There may be other more suitable antihistamines for you.

What does it interact with?

You must consult with a healthcare professional before taking Fexofenadine as it may interact with the medicines you already take including any prescription, over-the-counter medicines or supplements.

Potential drug interactions may include:

• ketoconazole (for fungal infections)
• antibiotics such as erythromycin
• Indigestion medicines containing magnesium or aluminium
• apalutamide (for prostate cancer)
• filgotinib or leflunomide (for arthritis)
• teriflunomide (for multiple sclerosis)
• some medicines used to treat hepatitis C
• other antihistamines (e.g cetirizine, levocetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine)

This is not a complete list of possible interactions. For a full list, refer to the patient information leaflet included with your order.

It is also recommended to limit drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine. This is because drinking alcohol may increase your chance of experiencing side effects such as sleepiness.

You should also avoid drinking particular fruit juices whilst on Fexofenadine, such as grapefruit juice. This may make this medicine less effective in treating your symptoms.

As with all prescription medicines, there is a risk of experiencing side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most common side effects tend to be mild and should disappear on their own.

Common side effects of Fexofenadine are reported to affect up to 1 in 10 people. These are listed below:

Up to 1 in 100 people may also experience tiredness or sleepiness when taking this medication. If this affects you, avoid driving or operating machinery.

Tell your doctor immediately and stop taking this medication if you experience: swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat and difficulty breathing. These may be signs of a serious allergic reaction.

For the full list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet.

Yes. You can buy both Fexofenadine and the brand at euroClinix. All you have to do is fill out a quick medical questionnaire that will be reviewed by one of our registered doctors.

Once approved for treatment, your medicine will be dispensed and delivered to your address the following day.

Learn about other hay fever treatments