Fexofenadine Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 3, 2024.
Applies to fexofenadine: oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet disintegrating.
Precautions
It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to allow for changes in your dose and to help reduce any side effects .
Common side effects of fexofenadine
Some side effects of fexofenadine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common side effects
Less common side effects
- back pain
- body aches or pain
- chills
- coughing
- diarrhea
- difficulty with moving
- dizziness
- ear congestion
- earache
- fever
- headache
- joint pain
- loss of voice
- muscle aching or cramping
- muscle pains or stiffness
- nasal congestion
- nausea
- pain in arms or legs
- pain or tenderness around eyes or cheekbones
- painful menstrual bleeding
- redness or swelling in ear
- ringing or buzzing in ears
- runny or stuffy nose
- sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
- sneezing
- sore throat
- stomach upset
- swollen joints
- unusual feeling of tiredness or weakness
- viral infection (such as cold and flu)
Rare side effects
- nervousness
- rash
- sleeplessness
- terrifying dreams
- trouble sleeping
Serious side effects of fexofenadine
Along with its needed effects, fexofenadine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking fexofenadine:
Rare side effects
- chest tightness
- feeling of warmth, redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest
- large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- shortness of breath, difficult or labored breathing
For healthcare professionals
Applies to fexofenadine: oral capsule, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet disintegrating.
General adverse events
The most commonly reported side effects included headache, drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
- Very common (10% or more): Vomiting (up to 12%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, diarrhea, stomach discomfort[Ref]
Nervous system
- Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 10.3%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Drowsiness, dizziness, somnolence[Ref]
Other
Respiratory
- Common (1% to 10%): Cough, upper respiratory tract infection, rhinorrhea
- Frequency not reported: Dyspnea[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
- Common (1% to 10%): Back pain[Ref]
Genitourinary
- Common (1% to 10%): Dysmenorrhea[Ref]
Psychiatric
- Frequency not reported: Insomnia, nervousness, nightmares, sleep disorders or paroniria/excessive dreaming[Ref]
Cardiovascular
- Frequency not reported: Palpitations, tachycardia, chest tightness[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
- Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reactions, angioedema, systemic anaphylaxis[Ref]
Dermatologic
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References
1. (2001) "Product Information. Allegra (fexofenadine)." Hoechst Marion Roussel
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
Frequently asked questions
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Other brands
Allegra, Allegra Allergy, Allegra ODT, Aller-Ease
Professional resources
Other brands
Allegra, Allegra Allergy, Allegra Hives
Related treatment guides
Further information
Fexofenadine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.
