Common Questions About Fexofenadine Answered
Fexofenadine belongs to a group of medications known as anti-histamines. Anti-histamines stop the body from producing the checmical called histamine when the body comes into contact with an allergen such as pollen or pet hair.
It’s one of the most popular anti-histamiones we currently sell (for good reason) and is available in two different strengths, 120mg and 180mg.
Can Fexofenadine Cause Weight Gain?
Fexofenadine isn’t currently known to cause weight gain.
Older anti-histamines such as diphenhydramine, have well known side effects such as drowsiness. Whilst newer generation anti-histamines, including Fexofenadine, tend to have less of these side effects.
In a study consisting of 900 people published by the journal Obesity, of the people studied, those who were using anti-histamines where more likely to be classed as overweight or obese.
It’s important to note that this study didn’t make the link between anti-histamines and weight clear. This doesn’t necessarily mean anti-histamines cause weight gain. Especially pertaining to the question “Can Fexofenadine cause weight gain?”
In terms of a theory of why the study came to the conclusion it did, is anti-histamines may not directly influence weight gain but in-directly. If anti-histamines cause you to feel drowsy, this will result in decreased energy levels, which would then likely result in decreased exercise and increased weight gain.
How Fexofenadine Works?
Histamine is the chemical responsible for the symptoms experienced when coming into contact with an allergen such as pollen. It’s released by white blood cells into the bloodstream when the immune system is defending itself against an allergen.
Typically you’d want histamine to do its job, but in the case of an allergic reaction the symptoms can be unpleasant. Itchy, watery eyes, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing and skin rashes are all symptoms of histamine working its magic.
Fexofenadine blocks the effects of histamine and reduces the symptoms associated with it. For more information on how Fexofenadine works, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Is Fexofenadine Drowsy?
Fexofenadine is classed a non-drowsy anti-histamine, but some people will still find it makes them sleepy. When compared to other non-drowsy anti-histamines, Fexofenadine is less likely to make you feel sleepy.
If you’ve already tried one non-drowsy anti-histamine and it hasn’t work for you, it’s worth trying another such as levocetirizine or loratadine.
Try speak to your doctor or pharmacist if it is Fexofenadine drowsy causing your sleepiness and they’ll be able to recommend a better replacement.
What Is Fexofenadine Hydrochloride Used For?
There are many Fexofenadine uses. Below will be a couple of examples of which symptoms Fexofenadine relieves and other conditions it can help treat.
One of the most common uses of Fexofenadine is for seasonal allergic rhinitis, otherwise known as hay fever. Fexofenadine can help relieve:
- Sneezing
- Itchy, watery, red eyes
- Itchy, blocked, runny nose
- Raised, itchy rash
The above are all typical allergy symptoms, but Fexofenadine can be used to treat other conditions including conjunctivitis, eczema, reactions to insect bites and food allergies. For the most up to date list of what is Fexofenadine Hydrochloride used for exactly, please take a look at the patient information leaflet.
When Does Fexofenadine Stops Working?
Once a Fexofenadine tablet has been taken you should start to feel better within one hour of taking it. The effects of blocking histamine should then last for up to 24 hours before another dose would need to be taken.
The recommended dose for an adult and child over the age of 12 years is one tablet daily, with water, and just before a meal.
Knowing when does Fexofenadine stops working is important to stop any symptoms from re-appearing, especially during high pollen periods.
Where Can I Buy Fexofenadine?
You can purchase Fexofenadine over the counter in certain countries such as the USA, New Zealand and other countries around Europe. However, purchasing Fexofenadine over the counter in the UK isn’t possible, as it requires a prescription.
Recent news has indicated that Fexofenadine will be changed from a POM (Prescription Only Medication) to a GSL (General Sales List) medicine in the UK. This means it will soon be available to purchase over the counter.
To purchase Fexofenadine online via the My Pharmacy website, you must first fill out a free consultation questionnaire that will determine whether or not it is suitable for you. Once checkout is complete a qualified pharmacist will review your purchase history and send it through for processing.
If you are purchasing Fexofenadine from other online pharmacies, please ensure they are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council. Any pharmacies not registered could be selling counterfeit drugs, expired medication etc. If you’re still wondering about “Where can I buy Fexofenadine?” please speak to your doctor or pharmacist for further guidance.
Which Is Better Fexofenadine or Cetirizine?
Deciding between all the different anti-histamines available can be a difficult and daunting task. Instead of going through the entire list, it’s best to seek advice from a doctor before choosing. This will make the choice ultimately easier and even then, if that particular anti-histamine doesn’t work well for you, a whole list of different alternatives are available.
If you’re stuck between choosing Cetirizine or Fexofenadine, Cetirizine may be more effective then fexofenadine at relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis, but results of various studies have been inconsistent.
Pregnancy may also alter the decision choosing between the two. Cetirizine, loratadine, and levocetirizine are in pregnancy category B whereas fexofenadine and desloratadine are in a lower category, C. Other sedating anti-histamines, including chlorpheniramine, are considered the safest anti-histamines you can use during pregnancy.
Still struggling to decide between which is better fexofenadine or cetirizine? Talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They will assess your symptoms and decide which antihistamine would work best to provide relief.
Why Fexofenadine Is Used?
Apart from being used for the relief of allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose etc. It can also be used to treat eczema, insect bites and stings, and certain food allergies.
Looking at that list one of the conditions may stand out as a bit particular, eczema. Eczema causes the skin to become dry, cracked and itchy. Now eczema isn’t really a histamine problem, but anti-histamines can have some effect in helping. If eczema is scratched it will ultimately cause the eczema to be worse, so the sedating effect of an anti-histamine can be quite helpful.
Just don’t get your hopes up of using Fexofenadine as end all and be all for your eczema. Anti-histamines won’t target the root cause of the disease, but they will help with the itching, which can help flare-ups heal faster.
Will Fexofenadine Make You Sleepy?
Although classed as a non-drowsy anti-histamine, Fexofenadine can still cause you to feel drowsy but the chances of it occurring is lower when compared to other anti-histamines.
Anti-histamines that are known as drowsy are called first generation anti-histamines. These are older anti-histamines such as chlorphenamine, hydroxyzine, and promethazine. The non-drowsy anti-histamines are known as second generation and include cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine.
The reason the second generation are less likely to cause drowsiness is simply down to the advancement in pharmaceuticals. Between first gen and second gen, drowsiness is only the particular difference. The first generation is just as good at treating symptoms as the second. Asking questions such as “Will Fexofenadine make you sleep?” is important to find the option best suited for you. Your doctor will recommend other alternatives if Fexofenadine ultimately causes you to feel drowsy.
