Fexofenadine (Telfast)

Fexofenadine is a fast-acting non-drowsy antihistamine that helps with the symptoms of hay fever and seasonal allergic rhinitis.

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.

Fexofenadine was first approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in the 1990s. It is used to treat a range of conditions including:

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

Are Fexofenadine and Telfast the same?

Yes, 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’, which is the active ingredient.

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

You can purchase Fexofenadine 120mg tablets online at euroClinix after completing an online consultation for hay fever.

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

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

In response, an immune reaction is triggered and the body produces the chemical histamine. This chemical causes inflammation in the body and leads to allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, and itching.

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

There are many benefits of taking this medicine to treat hay fever, for example:

Key benefits of Fexofenadine

Non-drowsy

Unlike other antihistamines, this medicine is less likely to cause drowsiness, making it a great option for people who need to stay alert during the day.

Fast acting

This medicine starts working as early as 1 hour after taking a dose, providing quick relief from symptoms.

Long-lasting relief

Fexofenadine provides relief of hay fever symptoms for up to 24 hours. This means it only needs to be taken once a day.

Effective for skin reactions

It is also effective for treating skin reactions such as itching, swelling and rashes.

Research has shown that Fexofenadine is an effective treatment for hay fever.

One study compared the effectiveness of Fexofenadine in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. 821 patients were randomised to receive either Fexofenadine 120mg, Fexofenadine 180mg, Cetirizine 10mg, or a placebo once daily for 2 weeks.

The results showed that both doses of Fexofenadine were more effective in reducing symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, an itchy nose, throat, or palate, and itchy, watery, or red eyes compared to the placebo.

There was no significant difference in effectiveness between the two doses of Fexofenadine, or between Fexofenadine and Cetirizine. However, patients experienced more drowsiness and fatigue with Cetirizine compared to Fexofenadine.

Most people can take this tablet to treat hay fever symptoms. However, it may not be suitable for everyone.

Who can take this medicine?

Fexofenadine is suitable for most adults who need to treat hay fever or hives.

Who cannot take this medicine?

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

You must also talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you:

• have problems with your liver or kidneys
• have, or have had heart problems
• are elderly

If this medicine is not suitable for you, other hay fever treatments are available at euroClinix.

Dosage

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

Fexofenadine is also available in 30mg and 180mg doses. The 30mg dose is typically prescribed to treat hay fever in children.

Please note: We currently do not sell this dose, if you need treatment for a child, please speak to your GP.

Fexofenadine 180mg is primarily used to treat chronic idiopathic urticaria. This is when you get hives or welts on the skin that last for six weeks or more and may come and go. Often, the cause of chronic hives isn't clear. This dose is also sometimes prescribed off-label for severe hay fever, where a stronger dose is needed.

How to take it

It’s important to take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. To make sure you are taking it correctly, you should:

1. Take one Fexofenadine 120mg tablet once daily at the same time each day.
2. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
3. Take it on an empty stomach, 1 hour before meals. You can also take it 2 hours after eating. This will allow for better absorption.

When to take it

You can take Fexofenadine only on the days you develop or anticipate symptoms (e.g. when the pollen count is high). However, some people take it regularly for a few weeks to prevent symptoms when their allergies are a problem, such as during pollen season in spring.

How long do I take it for?

The length of time you take this medicine for depends on the type of allergy you are treating:

• For seasonal allergies (e.g. hay fever) – Take it daily during allergy season and stop when your symptoms resolve.
• For long-term allergies – Take it as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it suddenly without your doctor's advice.
• For short-term allergic reactions – For reactions such as an insect bite or food allergy, you may only need it for a few days until the reaction resolves.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If this happens, skip the missed dose and 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 tablets, you may be at risk of side effects. Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine.

This medicine starts to work within 1 hour of taking it, and effects usually last for up to 24 hours.

It’s important to make certain lifestyle changes to manage your hay fever alongside this treatment. Some changes include:

Lifestyle guide for Fexofenadine users

Avoid allergy triggers

If pollen triggers your symptoms, keep your windows shut during high pollen seasons, avoid drying laundry outside, and bringing flowers into your home. For dust allergies, wash your bedding, and vacuum regularly. To reduce pet allergies, keep your pets out of bedrooms and wash your hands after touching them.

Stay hydrated

Drinking a lot of water can help by thinning the mucus in the nasal passages, leading to less nasal congestion.

Use air filters

Use a HEPA filter in your home air purifier and vacuum cleaner, and consider fitting a pollen filter in your car.

Limit time outdoors

Check the pollen levels each day before going outdoors. Try to limit your time spent outdoors during high pollen seasons. Avoid tasks like gardening and mowing the lawn, and make sure to shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off.

Use a nasal rinse

A saline spray or rinse can help to remove allergens from your nasal passages. This may help to reduce symptoms like nasal congestion and sneezing.

In addition to using antihistamines, try changing to a low-histamine diet. This involves reducing or eliminating foods that are high in histamine. The most important foods to avoid include tinned fish (e.g. tuna, or sardines), hard, matured cheeses (e.g. parmesan), smoked or cured meats, alcohol, and pickled or fermented foods.

Silvia Fonda Nutritionist

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

Uncommon side effects

Feeling tired or sleepy when taking this medicine is uncommon and only may affect up to 1 in 100 patients.

Rare side effects

Side effects with unknown frequency

Other side effects that may occur when taking this medicine include:

• trouble sleeping, sleeping disorders, or bad dreams
• feeling nervous
• a fast or irregular heart beat
• diarrhoea
• blurred vision

If your symptoms do not go away or worsen, speak to your doctor.

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

How can I manage the side effects?

Some common side effects of this medicine can be managed at home. Find some helpful management tips below:

Tell your doctor if you are taking, or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes medicines you buy with or without a prescription, natural supplements, or herbal remedies. This is because Fexofenadine can affect the way these medicines work and vice versa.

Some drug interactions include:

• ketoconazole (for fungal infections)
• antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin, rifampicin)
• indigestion medicines containing magnesium or aluminium (leave at least 2 hours in between taking these treatments)
• apalutamide (for prostate cancer)
• filgotinib or leflunomide (for arthritis)
• teriflunomide (for multiple sclerosis)
• some medicines used to treat hepatitis C (e.g. velpatasvir)
• other antihistamines (e.g. cetirizine, levocetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine)
• dronedarone (to control your heart rate)

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

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

This is not a complete list of possible interactions. For a full list, refer to the BNF interaction checker.

For more information, refer to the safety information table below:

Safety Tips

Pregnancy Consult your doctor

Consult your doctor before using Fexofenadine during pregnancy to ensure it is safe for you and your baby.

Breastfeeding Consult your doctor

Consult your doctor before using Fexofenadine while breastfeeding to ensure it is safe for you and your baby.

Alcohol Caution

Limit alcohol intake while taking Fexofenadine, as it can increase the risk of side effects like dizziness.

Driving Caution

Fexofenadine may cause dizziness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.

Grapefruit Interaction Avoid

Avoid consuming grapefruit juice while taking Fexofenadine, as it can reduce the drug's effectiveness.

Antacids Interaction Avoid

Do not take Fexofenadine within 15 minutes of an aluminum or magnesium-containing antacid, as it can decrease the drug's absorption.

How to store

Keep this medicine in its original packaging, out of the sight and reach of children. Store it at room temperature (around 25°C).

Disposal

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the pack. To throw away any expired or unused medication, take it to your nearest pharmacy. Do not throw away medicines in your household waste or flush them down the toilet, as this may harm the environment.

Fexofenadine 120mg can be purchased over the counter in most pharmacies. You can also buy Fexofenadine online 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.

To buy Fexofenadine online from euroClinix, follow these simple steps:

1. Complete a quick online consultation to check your eligibility.
2. UK-registered doctors review your responses to ensure the medication is right for you.
3. Upon approval, an e-prescription will be issued.
4. Enjoy free delivery from our licensed pharmacy with tracking details.

Your privacy is our top priority. euroClinix uses secure, encrypted transactions and complies with UK’s medical standards to keep your information confidential.

Start your online consultation today to enjoy professional care from the comfort of your home.

euroClinix is trusted by thousands of users in the UK for its safe and convenient service. Here’s why:

• Experienced doctors manage your consultations and prescriptions.
• Online consultations, quick approvals, and discreet doorstep delivery add to the convenience.
• A supportive team is on hand to answer treatment-related questions or concerns.
• Patients can manage their prescriptions hassle-free through our secure platform.

Join thousands who trust euroClinix for their healthcare needs and take control of your health today.

The price of Fexofenadine at euroClinix includes everything you need:

• Free online consultation with our experienced doctors
• Free prescription, if approved
• Free delivery straight to your door

Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. Order today and benefit from our complete, all-inclusive service.

If this medicine is not right for you, there are other options available to treat hay fever. Some alternative nasal sprays can be found in the table below:

Speak to your doctor about which of these options best suits your needs.