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Tablet sold without a prescription (over-the-counter)an antihistamine, an allergy medicine sold over the counter

Fexofenadine

Fexofenadine Hydrochloride · Say it: fex-oh-FEN-uh-deen

Fexofenadine is an over-the-counter antihistamine that the label says temporarily relieves allergy symptoms caused by hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies.

Brand names: ALLERGYValuMeds 24-Hour Allergy ReliefChildrens Allegra AllergyChildrens Allergy ReliefAllergy ReliefCurist Hives Relief

Reading levelLanguage

Used for

Runny nose

Comes as

180 mg tablets

Common side effects

Key facts
Generic nameFexofenadine Hydrochloride
Brand namesALLERGY, ValuMeds 24-Hour Allergy Relief, Childrens Allegra Allergy, Childrens Allergy Relief, Allergy Relief, Curist Hives Relief
Type of medicinean antihistamine, an allergy medicine sold over the counter
How it is soldTablet sold without a prescription (over-the-counter)
Comes as180 mg tablets
Routeoral
Boxed warningNo
Label date2026-05-05

💊 What is Fexofenadine used for?

  • Runny nose
  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Itching of the nose or throat

How it works

How it is usually taken

  • The label says to take the tablet with water. It is directed to be taken once a day, and not more than one tablet in any 24-hour period. The label says the product is for adults and children 12 years of age and over. Children under 12 should not use it, according to the label. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist if you have questions about how to take it.

Comes as

  • 180 mg tablets

⚠️ Fexofenadine side effects

Common side effects

    Get medical help right away if

    • Stop use and ask a doctor if an allergic reaction to this product occurs.
    • Get medical help right away if an allergic reaction occurs, as the label directs.

    🛑 Who should not take Fexofenadine, and who should be careful

    The label says not to take it if

    • You have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients, according to the label.
    • You are under 12 years of age, because the label says children under 12 should not use it.

    Tell your doctor before taking it if

    • The label says to ask a doctor before use if you have kidney disease, and that your doctor should determine if you need a different dose.
    • The label says adults 65 years of age and older should ask a doctor before use.
    • The label says that if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, you should ask a health professional before use.
    • The label says to keep the product out of reach of children.

    🔀 Fexofenadine with other medicines, food and alcohol

    The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

    • The label says not to take it at the same time as aluminum or magnesium antacids.
    • The label says not to take it with fruit juices.

    Alcohol and food

    The label says not to take this product with fruit juices. The label does not mention alcohol.

    🤰 Fexofenadine in pregnancy and breastfeeding

    Pregnancy

    The label says that if you are pregnant, you should ask a health professional before use.

    Breastfeeding

    The label says that if you are breast-feeding, you should ask a health professional before use.

    🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

    Storage

    The label says to store between 20° and 25°C (68° and 77°F) and to protect the product from excessive moisture. It also says not to use the product if the carton is opened or if the inner safety seal is torn or missing.

    If a dose is missed

    The label does not say.

    If too much is taken

    The label says that in case of overdose, you should get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.

    🗒️ Questions to ask about Fexofenadine

    🎯 Check what you understood

    1. According to the label, what symptoms is this medicine used to relieve?

    2. What does the label say about taking this product with fruit juice?

    3. According to the label, who should not use this product?

    ❓ Fexofenadine: frequently asked questions

    What is fexofenadine used for?

    The label says it temporarily relieves runny nose, itchy watery eyes, sneezing, and itching of the nose or throat caused by hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies.

    Can children take fexofenadine?

    The label says adults and children 12 years of age and over may take it. It says children under 12 years of age should not use it.

    Can I take fexofenadine with antacids?

    The label says not to take it at the same time as aluminum or magnesium antacids.

    What should I do if I take too much?

    The label says to get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222 in case of overdose.

    How should I store fexofenadine?

    The label says to store it between 20° and 25°C (68° and 77°F) and protect it from excessive moisture. It also says not to use it if the carton is opened or the inner safety seal is torn or missing.

    🧪 Tests and reports linked to Fexofenadine

    The label text mentions these. If you have one of these reports, get every line of it explained.

    📖 Medical words used on this page

    • Allergic reaction

      An allergic reaction is when the immune system overreacts to something harmless, such as a medicine or food, causing symptoms from a rash to swelling.

    • Antacid

      An antacid is a medicine that neutralises stomach acid to give quick relief from heartburn and indigestion.

    • Antihistamine

      An antihistamine is a medicine that blocks histamine, used for allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching and hives. Some cause drowsiness.

    • Edema

      Edema is swelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues, often in the feet, ankles and legs.

    • Excessive moisture

      On a medicine label, 'protect from excessive moisture' is a storage instruction: keep the product dry so it does not break down or lose strength.

    • Hay fever

      Hay fever is an allergy to pollen or similar triggers, causing sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy, watery eyes. It does not cause a fever.

    • Heartburn

      Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid coming back up into the food pipe.

    • Kidney disease

      Kidney disease is any condition that damages the kidneys or reduces how well they filter waste and extra fluid from the blood.

    • Over-the-counter

      Over-the-counter (OTC) means a medicine you can buy without a prescription, from a pharmacy, shop or supermarket.

    • Overdose

      An overdose means taking more of a medicine or substance than the body can safely handle, which can cause harmful or life-threatening effects.

    • Pediatric

      Pediatric means relating to children. On medicine labels it refers to babies, children and teenagers, usually under 18 years old.

    • Poison control center

      A poison control center is an expert phone service that gives urgent advice if someone may have swallowed or been exposed to too much of something.

    • Pruritus

      Pruritus is the medical word for itching of the skin.

    • Upper respiratory allergies

      Upper respiratory allergies are allergic reactions affecting the nose, sinuses and throat, from pollen, dust mites, mould or pet dander.

    📖 Medical words on this page

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    Source: official FDA drug label (label updated 2026-05-05). Read the full label on DailyMed

    MedicDecode explains the official label in plain words. It is not medical advice and does not replace your doctor or pharmacist. Never start, stop or change a medicine because of what you read here.