It is an over-the-counter antihistamine medicine containing fexofenadine hydrochloride. It is used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes (seasonal allergic rhinitis). A higher-strength tablet is used for long-lasting hives (chronic idiopathic urticaria) with itchy wheals on the skin. FEXO is Schedule 1 (S1) in South Africa and is sugar-free.
What it is and what it is used for
Active ingredient and class
- FEXO contains fexofenadine hydrochloride, which belongs to the group of medicines known as antihistamines.
Indications (as per the source leaflet)
- FEXO 120 mg: Relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis (e.g., stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, post-nasal drip, and red, itchy, watery eyes).
- FEXO 180 mg: Relief of symptoms associated with chronic idiopathic urticaria (long-term hives), including itchy red or white wheals that vary in size and shape.
How it works
FEXO is an antihistamine.
Who should NOT use this medicine
Do not take FEXO if you:
- Are allergic (hypersensitive) to fexofenadine or any of the ingredients in the tablets.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Are under 12 years of age (safety and efficacy have not been established in this age group).
Warnings and precautions (Read before use)
Use special care and speak to a healthcare provider before taking FEXO if any of the following apply to you:
- Elderly (additional caution is advised).
- Kidney problems (which may show as weakness, shortness of breath, lethargy, swelling, confusion).
- Liver problems (symptoms may include yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain and swelling, leg and ankle swelling, itching, chronic fatigue, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, or bruising easily).
- Past or current heart problems (symptoms vary and may include chest pain or rapid heartbeat). FEXO may cause an irregular heartbeat; seek advice if you have a heart history.
- Feeling sedated or sleepy after taking FEXO.
- Use of alcohol or other medicines that slow brain activity (e.g., sedatives or tranquillisers; sometimes called central nervous system depressants). These may enhance drowsiness.
Children
- Do not give FEXO to children under 12 years.
Driving and using machines
- It is not always possible to predict how FEXO will affect you. Do not drive or use machinery until you know how you respond.
Important use advice
- Do not share your medicine with others.
- See a doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve after 5 days.
Pregnancy, planning pregnancy, and breastfeeding
You should not take FEXO if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning a pregnancy, speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider before using this medicine.
Interactions
Always tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking, including complementary or traditional medicines.
Medicines noted in the leaflet that may interact with FEXO:
- Erythromycin (antibiotic).
- Ketoconazole (antifungal).
- Apalutamide (used for prostate cancer), which may decrease the effect of fexofenadine.
- Central nervous system depressants (medicines that slow brain activity and can make you drowsy or less alert), including sedatives and tranquillisers.
- Antacids containing aluminium and magnesium hydroxide gels: leave a 2-hour gap between FEXO and these antacids.
Food, drink, and alcohol
- Take FEXO before a meal with a glass of water.
- Do not take with alcohol, as alcohol can enhance the sedative (drowsy) effect.
How to take (Step-by-step)
Always use FEXO exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. If you are unsure, check with them.
1) When to take
- Take before a meal, with a glass of water.
- Swallow the tablet whole.
2) Usual doses for adults and children 12 years and older
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis: One 120 mg tablet once daily.
- Chronic idiopathic urticaria: One 180 mg tablet once daily.
3) Special situation
- Kidney problems: A 60 mg once-daily starting dose is recommended.
4) Length of treatment
- Your doctor will tell you how long to continue treatment.
5) If the effect feels too strong or too weak
- Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
6) If you take more FEXO than you should (overdose)
- Contact a pharmacist or doctor immediately. If unavailable, contact the nearest hospital or a poison control centre.
- Possible symptoms with overdose include dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth.
7) If you forget to take a dose
- Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Simply take the next dose at the usual time.
8) Practical tips based on the leaflet
- Keep to a once-daily routine (e.g., same time each morning before breakfast).
- If you use antacids with aluminium/magnesium hydroxide, separate by 2 hours.
- Avoid alcohol while taking FEXO.
Dosing table
| Age group | Condition/Use | Dose | Frequency | Maximum daily dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≥ 12 years (adults and adolescents) | Seasonal allergic rhinitis | 120 mg | Once daily | Not specified in the source |
| ≥ 12 years (adults and adolescents) | Chronic idiopathic urticaria | 180 mg | Once daily | Not specified in the source |
| Patients with kidney problems (starting dose) | As directed by a healthcare provider | 60 mg | Once daily | Not specified in the source |
| < 12 years | Any indication | Not recommended | — | — |
Possible side effects
FEXO can cause side effects. Not all side effects are listed here, and not everyone gets them. If your general health worsens or you notice any unusual effects while taking FEXO, consult your healthcare provider.
Serious—seek urgent help
Stop taking FEXO and get medical help immediately (see a doctor or go to the nearest hospital casualty department) if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as:
- Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, mouth, or throat (which may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing)
- Rash or itching
- Chest tightness, difficulty breathing (dyspnoea), flushing, wheezing, or a sudden drop in blood pressure (systemic anaphylaxis)
Also, seek medical help urgently if you experience:
- Rapid, irregular heart action or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia, palpitations)
Common (reported frequently)
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea (feeling sick)
Less common
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Chest tightness or difficulty breathing
- Flushing (sudden warmth/redness)
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia), nervousness, sleep disorders or nightmares (paranoia noted in the leaflet)
Also reported; frequency not known
- Diarrhoea; heartburn/indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Blurred vision
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
What to do:
- Mild effects often settle. If they bother you or don’t go away, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
- For any serious symptoms listed above, stop the medicine and seek urgent care.
Storage and disposal
- Store at or below 25 °C.
- Keep blister strips in the carton until use to protect from light and moisture.
- Store out of sight and reach of children.
- Do not store in a bathroom.
- Do not use after the expiry date on the packaging.
- Return unused medicine to your pharmacist.
- Do not dispose of medicines in drains or sewerage systems (e.g., toilets).
What the medicine contains
Active ingredient
- FEXO 120 mg tablet: 120 mg fexofenadine hydrochloride.
- FEXO 180 mg tablet: 180 mg fexofenadine hydrochloride.
Other ingredients (excipients)
- Common excipients (both strengths): croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, maize starch, microcrystalline cellulose, Opadry (03C54667) coating components (hypromellose, macrogol 400, macrogol 4000, titanium dioxide), and povidone.
- Colourants differ by strength:
- FEXO 120 mg (peach): Opadry contains iron oxide red and iron oxide yellow.
- FEXO 180 mg (yellow): Opadry contains iron oxide yellow.
Sugar content: Sugar-free.
Pack information and appearance
FEXO 120 mg
- Appearance: Peach-coloured, oblong, biconvex, film-coated tablets with a breakline on one side and plain on the other.
- Packs: Transparent PVC/aluminium foil blister strips containing 5, 10, or 15 tablets, packed in cartons of 5, 10, or 30 tablets.
FEXO 180 mg
- Appearance: Yellow, oblong, biconvex, film-coated tablets, plain on one side with a central breakline on the other.
- Packs: Transparent PVC/aluminium foil blister strips containing 5, 10, or 15 tablets, packed in cartons of 5, 10, or 30 tablets.
Holder of Certificate of Registration
- Cipla Medpro (Pty) Ltd,
FAQs
1) Can I take FEXO if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The leaflet states you should not take FEXO if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Speak to your healthcare provider for advice.
2) Can children under 12 years use FEXO?
No. The safety and efficacy of FEXO have not been studied in children under 12 years.
3) How should I take FEXO in relation to food?
Take the tablet before a meal with a glass of water, and swallow whole.
4) Can I drink alcohol while taking FEXO?
Do not take FEXO with alcohol. Alcohol can enhance FEXO’s sedative effect and make you feel drowsy or sleepy.
5) Can I drive or operate machinery after taking FEXO?
Only once you know how it affects you. It’s not always possible to predict its impact, so be cautious until you’re sure.
6) I have kidney problems—can I use FEXO?
Speak to your healthcare provider. The leaflet recommends a starting dose of 60 mg once daily in people with kidney problems.
7) Can I use antacids with aluminium or magnesium while on FEXO?
Yes, but separate doses by 2 hours. These antacids can interfere with FEXO if taken too close together.
8) I’m taking erythromycin or ketoconazole. Is FEXO suitable for me?
These medicines are listed as interacting with FEXO. Tell your doctor before using FEXO if you take erythromycin or ketoconazole.
9) What should I do if I miss a dose?
Do not double up. Take the next dose at the usual time.
10) What should I do if I take too much FEXO?
Contact a pharmacist or doctor immediately, or go to the nearest hospital if needed. Overdose symptoms can include dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth.
11) When should I see a doctor about my symptoms?
If your symptoms worsen or do not improve after 5 days, you must see a doctor. Seek urgent help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of the face or throat, breathing difficulty, wheezing, sudden drop in blood pressure).
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.
