What is fexofenadine and how does it work?
Fexofenadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine medicine used to ease allergy symptoms such as hay fever, itchy eyes and skin rashes. It works by blocking histamine, a natural substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms, from attaching to special points called H1 receptors on cells. This action stops the effects of histamine without making you sleepy because it does not enter the brain.
Key points:
- Fexofenadine is a second-generation antihistamine with high selectivity for H1 receptors.
- It acts as an inverse agonist to stabilise the inactive form of H1 receptors and prevent allergic reactions.
- Unlike older antihistamines, it barely crosses into the brain, avoiding drowsiness.
- Effects start within 1-3 hours and last up to 24 hours.
This text has been fact-checked for accuracy by medino's clinical team.