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What Is It
Fexofenadine (fex-oh-FEN-a-deen) is an antihistamine. It is used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and hives of the skin.
Antihistamines work by preventing the effects of a substance calle
d histamine, which is produced by the body. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Also, in some persons histamine can close up the bronchial tubes (air passages of the lu
ngs) and make breathing difficult. Histamine can also cause some persons to have hives, with severe itching of the skin.
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Precautions Before Using This Medicine
Allergies¡XTell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to antihistamines. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods,
preservatives, or dyes.
Diet¡XMake certain your health care professional knows if you are on a low-sodium, low-sugar, or any other special diet. Most medicines contain more than their active
ngredient, and many liquid medicines contain alcohol.
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Symptoms of overdose
Clumsiness or unsteadiness; convulsions (seizures); drowsiness (severe); dryness of mouth, nose, or throat (severe); feeling faint; flushing or redness of face; hallucinations (seeing, hearing,
or feeling things that are not there); shortness of breath or troubled breathing ; trouble in sleeping
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Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
Anticholinergics (medicine for abdominal or stomach spasms or cramps)¡XSide effects, such as dryness of mouth, of antihistamines or anticholinergics may be more likely to occur
Erythromycin (e.g.
E-Mycin) or
Ketoconazole (e.g., Nizoral)¡XUse of these medicines with fexofenadine may cause an increased amount of fexofenadine in the blood.
Central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medi
ines that cause drowsiness)¡XEffects, such as drowsiness, of CNS depressants or antihistamines may be worsened; also, taking maprotiline or tricyclic antidepressants may cause some side effects of eit
er of these medicines, such as dryness of mouth, to become more severe
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Cautions
Antihistamines may cause dryness of the mouth, nose, and throat. Some antihistamines are more likely to cause dryness of the mouth than others . For temporary relief of mouth dryness, use sugarless ca
ndy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing drynes
s of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.
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How to Use
Cetirizine comes as a tablet and syrup to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day. It may be taken regularly or when allergy symptoms flare up. Follow the directions on your prescription label c
arefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cetirizine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your
doctor.
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