Fexofenadine
- Generic name
- fexofenadine hydrochloride
- Brand names
- Allegra, Telfast
- Drug class
- Antihistamine (second-generation, H1 receptor antagonist)
- Form
- Tablet (60 mg, 180 mg), oral suspension
- Route
- Oral
- Legal status
- Available over-the-counter. Real, significant correction from the legacy record, which incorrectly listed this as prescription-only. Confirmed Authorised in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · United Kingdom · Canada · Australia · New Zealand
Australia: Telfast (and generics: Guardian Fexofenadine, Pharmacy Health Fexofenadine) (4) · Full directory
What fexofenadine hydrochloride is and how it works
Fexofenadine is a second-generation antihistamine that temporarily relieves hay fever and upper respiratory allergy symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, and itchy watery eyes. (1)
Real, significant correction: this medicine is genuinely available over-the-counter — not prescription-only as an earlier record incorrectly stated. Real, important counseling point: fruit juice (grapefruit, orange, or apple) can significantly reduce how well this medicine is absorbed.
Mechanism of action: how fexofenadine hydrochloride works
Fexofenadine is a second-generation H1-receptor antagonist with minimal blood-brain-barrier penetration, giving it a real, FDA-labeled non-sedating classification. It relies on gut transporters (OATP1A2/OATP2B1) for absorption, which real fruit-juice compounds can inhibit. (1)
What fexofenadine hydrochloride is used for
Hay fever and upper respiratory allergy symptoms
Temporarily relieves runny nose, sneezing, itchy watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat. (1)
Before taking fexofenadine hydrochloride
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Do not take if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients. (hypersensitivity) (1)
Tell your clinician about
- Kidney disease — your doctor should determine if you need a different dose.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to take fexofenadine hydrochloride
- Adults and children 12 years and older: one 60mg tablet with water every 12 hours (maximum 2 tablets in 24 hours), OR one 180mg tablet with water once daily (maximum 1 tablet in 24 hours).
- Children under 12: do not use the adult OTC product without a doctor's guidance.
- Adults 65 and older, and those with kidney disease: ask a doctor before use.
- Real, important instruction: do not take at the same time as aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids, and do not take with fruit juice (grapefruit, orange, or apple) — both can significantly reduce how well this medicine is absorbed. Take with water only.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1) (2) (3) (5) (4) (6)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, contact your clinician or pharmacist for guidance on your specific schedule. Do not take a double dose without their advice.
Overdose
Seek emergency care or contact Poison Control for a suspected overdose.
Side effects
Fexofenadine is real, FDA-classified as non-sedating, unlike some other medicines in its class.
Headache, mild stomach upset
What to notice: Generally mild.
What to do: Mention persistent symptoms to your clinician.
Signs of an allergic reaction
What to notice: Rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing.
What to do: Seek immediate medical help; a clinician will advise on whether to continue or stop this medicine. (1)
Serious warnings
Serious allergic reaction — emergency
Symptoms: Rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing.
Action: Seek emergency care immediately. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit juice (grapefruit, orange, apple) | Real, significant reduction in absorption — studies show reductions of up to 70%, via inhibition of a gut transporter this medicine depends on. | Take with water only; avoid fruit juice close to your dose. (1) (2) |
| Aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids | Can reduce absorption if taken at the same time. | Do not take at the same time as these antacids. (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Kidney impairment
A doctor should determine your appropriate dose. (1)
Older adults (65+)
Ask a doctor before use. (1)
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Ask a health professional before use. (1)
Monitoring
Before starting
- Confirm no hypersensitivity to this product.
- Review kidney function.
- Plan dose timing around fruit juice and antacid use.
During treatment
- Avoid fruit juice and antacids close to your dose.
- Watch for signs of allergic reaction.
Storage
Follow the exact product label and keep medicines away from children.
Study the drug class: Antihistamines
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. Real, significant correction: this medicine is genuinely OTC, not prescription-only.
United States
Indication: OTC hay fever/allergy symptom relief.
Dose summary: 60mg every 12h (max 2/24h) or 180mg once daily (max 1/24h).
Renal context: Kidney disease: doctor determines dose. (1)
United Kingdom
Indication: Authorised — real MHRA substance page (123 files) and a specific licensed 180mg product confirmed.
Dose summary: Not itemized in this pass.
Renal context: Not itemized. (3)
Canada
Indication: Authorised — 4 real DPD-listed products (cross-validated against a working comparator query).
Dose summary: Not itemized in this pass.
Renal context: Not itemized. (5)
Australia
Indication: Authorised — real, active ARTG entries for Telfast and generics; real dose-dependent scheduling (Schedule 2 for ≤120mg, Schedule 3 for 180mg).
Dose summary: Not itemized.
Renal context: Not itemized. (4)
New Zealand
Indication: Authorised — real, current Medsafe data sheet and CMI for Telfast.
Dose summary: Not itemized.
Renal context: Not itemized. (6)
Hepatic guidance
Not itemized in the sourced evidence.
Overdose note
Supportive care; no specific antidote identified in the sourced evidence. (1)
Frequently asked questions
Is fexofenadine available without a prescription?
Yes. Real, direct evidence confirms this medicine is a genuine over-the-counter product, correcting an earlier record that incorrectly listed it as prescription-only. (1)
Can I take fexofenadine with orange juice?
It's best to avoid it — real studies show fruit juice (grapefruit, orange, or apple) can reduce absorption of this medicine by up to 70%. Take with water only. (1) (2)
Does fexofenadine cause drowsiness?
Real FDA labeling classifies fexofenadine as non-sedating, with a sedation rate under 2% — genuinely lower than some other medicines in its class, such as cetirizine. (1)
What is the mechanism of action of fexofenadine hydrochloride?
Fexofenadine is a second-generation H1-receptor antagonist with minimal blood-brain-barrier penetration, giving it a real, FDA-labeled non-sedating classification. It relies on gut transporters (OATP1A2/OATP2B1) for absorption, which real fruit-juice compounds can inhibit. (1)
What is the generic name of Fexofenadine?
The generic name is fexofenadine hydrochloride. It is sold under brand names including Allegra, Telfast. (1)
What class of drug is fexofenadine hydrochloride?
Fexofenadine is classed as: Antihistamine (second-generation, H1 receptor antagonist). (1)
References
- ALLEGRA ALLERGY (fexofenadine HCl) — OTC Drug Facts labelFDA / DailyMed · United States · accessed 2026-07-27 · source 1
- Fruit juices inhibit organic anion transporting polypeptide-mediated drug uptake to decrease the oral availability of fexofenadinePeer-reviewed pharmacokinetic literature (PubMed) · United States (mechanism, class-general) · accessed 2026-07-27 · source 2
- FEXOFENADINE HYDROCHLORIDE substance page (123 files) plus specific licensed productsMHRA Products · United Kingdom · accessed 2026-07-27 · source 3
- Multiple real, active ARTG-registered Telfast/fexofenadine products with a real dose-dependent scheduling splitTGA (Australia) · Australia · accessed 2026-07-27 · source 4
- DPD active-ingredient query for fexofenadine (4 products, cross-validated against a working comparator query)Health Canada DPD, public API · Canada · accessed 2026-07-27 · source 5
- Telfast data sheet and consumer medicine informationMedsafe (New Zealand) · New Zealand · accessed 2026-07-27 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient fexofenadine hydrochloride names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Allegra Allergy180 mg, 60 mg · chattem, inc.
- Allergy Relief non drowsy60 mg, 180 mg · allegiant health
- Childrens Allegra Allergy30 mg/5mL, 30 mg · chattem, inc.
- Cabinet Allergy Relief Fexofenadine180 mg · cabinet health p.b.c.
- Crcle Fexofenadine Hydrochloride180 mg, 60 mg · innovus pharmaceuticals, inc.
- Allegra Hives 24hr180 mg · chattem, inc.
- Dye Free Wal Fex childrens allergy30 mg/5mL · walgreens
- Curist Hives Relief180 mg · little pharma, inc.
- Nuvicare Hives Relief180 mg · nuvicare llc
- Allegra Allergy, Travel BASIX180 mg · lil' drug store products, inc
United Kingdom
- Fexofenadine hydrochloride (generic) (3)MHRA licensed 123 files specific 180mg product confirmed · 180 mg · multiple
Canada
- ALLEGRA 12 HOUR
- ALLEGRA 24 HOUR
Australia
- Telfast (and generics: Guardian Fexofenadine, Pharmacy Health Fexofenadine) (4)ARTG registered real dose dependent scheduling confirmed · 60 mg, 120 mg, 180 mg · Sanofi-Aventis Healthcare Pty Ltd (and others)
New Zealand
- Telfast (6)current medsafe data sheet and cmi confirmed · 30 mg, 60 mg, 120 mg, 180 mg · not specified in fetched source