Fexofenadine Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 12, 2022.
Summary
Commonly reported side effects of fexofenadine include: headache. Other side effects include: otitis media. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.
Applies to fexofenadine: oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet disintegrating.
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
- 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
Other 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
Less common
- 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
- Nervousness
- rash
- sleeplessness
- terrifying dreams
- trouble sleeping
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to fexofenadine: oral capsule, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet disintegrating.
General
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
Common (1% to 10%): Otitis media, pyrexia, fatigue, extremity pain[Ref]
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
Frequency not reported: Rash, pruritus, flushing[Ref]
More about fexofenadine
- Check interactions
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- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: antihistamines
- Breastfeeding
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Patient resources
- Drug Information
- Fexofenadine (Advanced Reading)
- Fexofenadine Orally Disintegrating Tablets
- Fexofenadine Tablets
- Fexofenadine Oral Suspension
Other brands
Allegra, Allegra Allergy, Allegra ODT, Aller-Ease
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
References
1. "Product Information. Allegra (fexofenadine)." Hoechst Marion Roussel (2001):
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.