Telfast 180mg Tablets

Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that eases allergy symptoms. When you meet something you are allergic to, your body releases histamine, which causes sneezing, a runny nose, itchy watery eyes and rashes. Fexofenadine blocks histamine to calm these symptoms.

It is used for:

• hay fever
• red, itchy eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
• hives (urticaria) and itchy skin conditions such as eczema
• reactions to insect bites and stings
• some food allergies

It is less likely to make you sleepy than older antihistamines, and usually starts to work within 1 to 2 hours.

Take it as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, or as the packet says.

• Take the higher-strength adult tablets before a meal. Lower-strength children's tablets can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not chew them.
• Do not take it with apple, orange or grapefruit juice, as these can make it work less well.
• Leave about 2 hours between fexofenadine and indigestion remedies containing aluminium or magnesium.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless your next dose is nearly due. Never take two doses together.

Common side effects include:

• headache
• feeling sleepy
• feeling sick
• feeling dizzy

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• a fast or irregular heartbeat
• swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing (a serious allergic reaction)

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to fexofenadine or another medicine
• have liver or kidney problems
• have, or have had, heart problems
• are due to have an allergy test, as you may need to stop it a few days before
• take leflunomide, teriflunomide, velpatasvir or apalutamide
• take other medicines that cause drowsiness, a dry mouth or difficulty peeing

Do not take two antihistamines together unless a doctor advises it.

Store as directed on the pack or leaflet, and keep out of the reach of children. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: fexofenadine is not usually recommended in pregnancy because there is little information; other antihistamines may be preferred. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.

Driving: some people still feel sleepy. See how it affects you before driving or using machinery.

Alcohol: it is best to avoid alcohol, as it can make you sleepy.