FEXXTAB are prescription-strength antihistamine tablets containing fexofenadine hydrochloride. They are used to ease allergy symptoms. The two strengths have different approved uses: the 120 mg tablet is for seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever–type symptoms), and the 180 mg tablet is for chronic idiopathic urticaria (long-lasting hives with itching). These film-coated tablets are taken once daily and are intended for adults and children from 12 years. They are Schedule 1 (S1) medicines in South Africa.
Fexofenadine is classed as a non-sedating H1-antihistamine. Most people do not feel sleepy on it, but a few do, so it’s sensible to see how you respond before driving. The tablets contain lactose and must be swallowed whole (they should not be broken or chewed).
What it is and what it is used for
FEXXTAB contains fexofenadine hydrochloride, an antihistamine in the H1-receptor antagonist class. It helps reduce the effects of histamine, the chemical your body releases during allergic reactions.
Approved uses (indications)
- FEXXTAB 120 mg: Relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).
- FEXXTAB 180 mg: Relief of symptoms associated with chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU).
Note: The 120 mg tablet is not indicated for hives, and the 180 mg tablet is not indicated for hay fever in this product information.
How it works
When you’re exposed to an allergen (like pollen or, in urticaria, triggers that are often not identifiable), your body releases histamine. Histamine attaches to H1 receptors in tissues such as the nose, eyes, and skin, leading to sneezing, itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and hives.
Fexofenadine blocks H1 receptors so histamine can’t attach and trigger those symptoms. In people taking FEXXTAB:
- Relief begins within about 1 hour,
- The effect is strongest around 6 hours, and
- Benefits last for 24 hours after a dose.
No tolerance (loss of effect) was seen after 28 days of daily dosing in studies referenced in the product information.
Who should NOT use this medicine
Do not take FEXXTAB if any of the following apply:
- Allergy (hypersensitivity) to fexofenadine or to any of the tablet ingredients (see “What the medicine contains”).
- Pregnancy: There is no experience with FEXXTAB in pregnant women; it should not be taken during pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding: FEXXTAB should not be taken by mothers who are breastfeeding.
- Lactose-related hereditary conditions: Do not use if you have galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption (the tablets contain lactose).
Warnings and precautions (Read before use)
Use with care and speak to your healthcare provider if:
- You are elderly or have kidney or liver impairment. There are limited data for these groups; FEXXTAB should be used with caution.
- You have a history of cardiovascular (heart) disease. Antihistamines as a class have been associated with tachycardia (fast heart rate) and palpitations; if you notice these, seek advice.
- You are under 12 years old. The efficacy and safety of FEXXTAB have not been studied in children under 12; it is not intended for this age group.
- You have lactose intolerance or related rare hereditary problems—see “What the medicine contains.”
Drowsiness and driving
Fexofenadine is described as non-sedating, but a small number of people may still feel drowsy. Check your own response before driving, operating machinery, or doing tasks that need full attention.
Alcohol and other sedatives
Any drowsiness can be made worse by alcohol or other central nervous system depressants. Take care with alcohol and avoid it if you feel sleepy.
Pregnancy, planning pregnancy, and breastfeeding
- Pregnancy: Do not use. There is no experience with FEXXTAB in pregnant women.
- Breastfeeding: Do not use. There are no data for fexofenadine levels in human milk after fexofenadine itself, but fexofenadine has been found in human milk after its parent compound (terfenadine) was given; therefore, FEXXTAB should not be used while breastfeeding.
- Fertility: No human data are available on fertility. Animal studies (mice) did not show effects on fertility.
If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on suitable alternatives.
Interactions
Fexofenadine does not undergo hepatic (liver) biotransformation, so liver-enzyme–based interactions are not expected. However, some interactions are noted:
- Erythromycin or ketoconazole: Taking these with fexofenadine increased fexofenadine blood levels 2–3 times. In studies cited in the product information, this did not change the QT interval and did not increase adverse events compared to taking the medicines separately. Still, your doctor should know if you’re on these antibiotics/antifungals.
- Apalutamide (weak P-gp inducer): Co-administration with a single 30 mg fexofenadine dose reduced the overall exposure (AUC) by ~30%. Your clinician will decide if any action is needed in your situation.
- Antacids containing aluminium and magnesium hydroxide: Taking such an antacid 15 minutes before fexofenadine reduced fexofenadine bioavailability, likely by binding it in the gut.
- Practical advice: Leave a 2-hour gap between FEXXTAB and aluminium/magnesium hydroxide antacids.
- Omeprazole: No interaction was observed.
Important: Always tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all medicines you use, including over-the-counter products and supplements.
How to take (Step-by-step)
Who can take: Adults and children aged 12 years and over.
How and when to take
- Check the indication and strength
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR): Use FEXXTAB 120 mg.
- Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU): Use FEXXTAB 180 mg.
- Dose (from 12 years and adults)
- SAR: One 120 mg tablet once daily.
- CIU: One 180 mg tablet once daily.
- Method of administration
- Take by mouth (oral use).
- Swallow whole with liquid.
- Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet—the coating is designed to provide prolonged release.
- With or without food
- Not specified in the source.
- Antacids
- If you need an antacid that contains aluminium and magnesium hydroxide, separate doses by 2 hours to avoid reducing fexofenadine absorption.
- Missed dose
- Not specified in the source. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for personalised advice.
- Overdose
- Reported symptoms: Dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth.
- What to do: Standard measures may be used to remove unabsorbed medicine; supportive care is recommended. Haemodialysis does not effectively remove fexofenadine. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.
Practical adherence pointers
- Take it once daily as directed for your condition.
- Swallow whole; don’t break or chew.
- Avoid taking aluminium/magnesium hydroxide antacids close to your FEXXTAB dose (keep 2 hours apart).
- If you feel drowsy, do not drive until you know how you react; avoid alcohol if you feel sleepy.
Dosing table
| Age group | Indication | Dose | Frequency | Maximum daily dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≥ 12 years (adults and adolescents) | Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) | 120 mg (one tablet) | Once daily | Not specified in the source |
| ≥ 12 years (adults and adolescents) | Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) | 180 mg (one tablet) | Once daily | Not specified in the source |
| < 12 years | SAR or CIU | Not studied | — | — |
Possible side effects
Most people tolerate FEXXTAB well. The side effects below are taken from the tabulated list in the product information.
Common
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Less common
- Insomnia (less frequent)
- Rash, urticaria (hives), itching (pruritus) (less frequent)
- Nervousness and sleep disturbances or paranoia (including nightmares/excessive dreaming) (less frequent)
- Fatigue (less frequent)
- Blurred vision (frequency unknown)
- Tachycardia (fast heartbeat) and palpitations (frequency unknown)
- Diarrhoea (frequency unknown)
Serious—seek urgent help
- Hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions, which may include angioedema (swelling under the skin), chest tightness, shortness of breath (dyspnoea), flushing, or systemic anaphylaxis. Stop taking FEXXTAB and get medical help immediately if any of these occur.
What to do about side effects
- Mild effects like headache or mild nausea often settle, but if symptoms are troublesome or persistent, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
- If you notice fast heart rate, palpitations, or blurred vision, seek medical advice.
- For signs of an allergic reaction (see above), stop the medicine and get urgent care.
Storage and disposal
- Store at or below 30 °C.
- Protect from light and moisture.
- Shelf life: 48 months.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Disposal: No special precautions are required for disposal or handling as per the product information. Return unused or expired medicine to a pharmacy if you are unsure.
What the medicine contains
Active ingredient
- FEXXTAB 120: Each film-coated tablet contains 120 mg fexofenadine hydrochloride.
- FEXXTAB 180: Each film-coated tablet contains 180 mg fexofenadine hydrochloride.
Lactose content
- FEXXTAB 120: Contains lactose 191.34 mg per tablet.
- FEXXTAB 180: Contains lactose 287.00 mg per tablet.
Other ingredients (excipients)
- Core: Colloidal anhydrous silica; croscarmellose sodium; lactose; magnesium stearate; povidone; pregelatinised maize starch.
- Film coating (Opadry Pink): Hypromellose; titanium dioxide; macrogol; iron oxide yellow; iron oxide red.
Excipient warning
- Because the tablets contain lactose, do not use if you have galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption.
Pack information and appearance
- Pharmaceutical form: Film-coated tablets for oral use.
- Appearance (both strengths): Peach-coloured, oblong, biconvex, with both sides plain.
- Packs:10 and 30 film-coated tablets.
- Container: Blister strips made from rigid PVC coated with clear PVdC and printed aluminium foil. Three blister strips of 10 tablets may be packed in an outer carton for the 30-tablet pack.
- Holder of Certificate of Registration: Forrester Pharma (Pty) Ltd
FAQs
1) Can I take FEXXTAB if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The product information states there is no experience in pregnant women and FEXXTAB should not be taken during pregnancy. It also states FEXXTAB should not be used by breastfeeding mothers.
2) Is FEXXTAB suitable for children under 12 years?
No. The efficacy and safety have not been studied in children under 12 years, so it is not intended for that age group.
3) Will FEXXTAB make me drowsy?
Fexofenadine lacks significant sedative effects for most people, but a small number may still experience drowsiness. Determine your own response before driving or using machinery.
4) Can I drink alcohol while using FEXXTAB?
Any sedative effect may be compounded by alcohol. If you feel sleepy, avoid alcohol and activities needing alertness.
5) Can I take FEXXTAB with my antacid?
If your antacid contains aluminium and magnesium hydroxide, it can reduce fexofenadine absorption if taken close together. Leave 2 hours between the antacid and FEXXTAB.
6) Does FEXXTAB interact with other medicines like erythromycin, ketoconazole, or omeprazole?
- Erythromycin/ketoconazole can increase fexofenadine levels (2–3×), though studies cited did not show QT changes or more adverse events when combined.
- Omeprazole: No interaction observed.
Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines you’re taking.
7) How fast does it work and how long does it last?
Relief begins within about 1 hour, reaches a maximum at around 6 hours, and lasts 24 hours.
8) Can I split or chew the tablets?
No. The tablets should be swallowed whole with liquid. They should not be chewed or broken, as the coating is intended to ensure prolonged release.
9) I have heart problems—can I use FEXXTAB?
Use with caution and discuss with your doctor. Antihistamines as a class have been associated with tachycardia and palpitations.
10) I am older or have kidney or liver problems—can I use FEXXTAB?
There are limited data in these groups; FEXXTAB should be administered with care. Your healthcare provider can advise you individually.
Manish Sharma is a Master’s graduate in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and a registered pharmacist with a passion for simplifying medical knowledge for everyday readers. Through his platform, he provides clear, easy-to-understand information about medicines — including their correct usage, benefits, and safety tips — while also addressing common myths surrounding them.
Alongside modern medicine, Manish also explores natural and herbal remedies, encouraging a balanced and healthy lifestyle. His mission is to empower people with reliable health information, helping them make informed decisions and live healthier, happier lives.
