4 Drinks To Avoid When Taking Fexofenadine

Hay fever really has got worse. A recent report found that sufferers have to deal with two more weeks of streaming eyes and sniffling per year than they would have had to in the ’90s.

Antihistamines are available over-the-counter for people with symptoms. If you have especially strong reactions to pollen, you might be prescribed fexofenadine, a stronger, non-drowsy antihistamine.

You can also get 120mg versions of fexofenadine over the counter for adults and kids over 12 if you’re treating hay fever. Brand names include Allevia, Almerg, Histallay, Telfast, and Treathay.

It can also be used to treat conjunctivitis, eczema, hives, and some insect bites and stings (if you’re using it to treat hives, you can get 180mg of fexofenadine over the counter in pharmacies).

According to the NHS, though, there are four drinks you should avoid if you’re taking the medication.

• orange juice,
• grapefruit juice, and
• apple juice

may make the medication less effective.

And you should also avoid drinking any type of alcohol, as it can make you feel sleepy.

The NHS said that your fexofenadine tablets should come with a leaflet. Look in there first, as they cannot guarantee they know what your specific version of the medication may react to.

In general, though, they said it’s best to check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking fexofenadine if you’re also taking:

• any medication that makes your mouth dry, makes it harder to pee, or makes you drowsy,
• leflunomide (used to treat arthritis),
• velpatasvir (used to treat hepatitis C infections),
• teriflunomide (used to treat multiple sclerosis), and
• apalutamide, to treat prostate cancer.

Additionally, if you’re taking indigestion medications that contain aluminium or magnesium, wait two hours before taking at and taking fexofenadine.

This advice is because the above medications may make fexofenadine less effective and/or increase the severity of side effects.

But again, please check the leaflet in your medication to be sure.