A glass of juice may seem like a perfectly reasonable way to take an allergy tablet. With fexofenadine, however, water is the better choice.
Apple, orange and grapefruit juice can interfere with how the body absorbs fexofenadine. That means less of the medicine may become available to help manage your allergy symptoms.
Why shouldn’t you take fexofenadine with fruit juice?
Apple, orange and grapefruit juice can reduce the absorption of fexofenadine, potentially making the medicine less effective. Take fexofenadine with water and follow the directions on your package. Other juices have not necessarily been studied, so water remains the simplest choice.
Three things to remember
- Take fexofenadine with water rather than fruit juice.
- Apple, orange and grapefruit juice can interfere with absorption.
- Do not double your next dose if you accidentally took it with juice.
What happens when fexofenadine is taken with fruit juice?
Fexofenadine must pass through the digestive system before the body can use it. Certain fruit juices can interfere with the transport process that helps move the medicine from the intestines into the bloodstream.
If less fexofenadine is absorbed, the medicine may not provide the level of relief you expected. You might notice that sneezing, a runny nose or itchy, watery eyes feel less controlled.
Which fruit juices should you avoid?
Fexofenadine guidance specifically identifies:
- Apple juice
- Orange juice
- Grapefruit juice
These instructions apply to both common 12-hour and 24-hour fexofenadine products. Take the tablet with water unless your healthcare professional gives you different instructions.
| Beverage | Recommended with fexofenadine? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Yes | Water is the recommended and simplest choice. |
| Apple juice | No | It can interfere with fexofenadine absorption. |
| Orange juice | No | It can reduce how much medicine the body absorbs. |
| Grapefruit juice | No | It should not be used to take fexofenadine. |
| Other beverages | Check first | When uncertain, take the medicine with plain water. |
What if you accidentally took fexofenadine with juice?
Do not panic and do not take an extra tablet. Taking another dose could cause you to exceed the directions on the package.
Continue with your next regularly scheduled dose according to the Drug Facts label and take it with water. Ask a pharmacist if you are uncertain about when your next dose should be taken.
Can antacids also interfere with fexofenadine?
Yes. Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium can interfere with fexofenadine when taken at the same time.
MedlinePlus advises taking these antacids a few hours before or after fexofenadine. Check the active ingredients on your antacid and ask a pharmacist for help establishing an appropriate schedule.
How can you create an easier fexofenadine routine?
- Choose a consistent time that matches your product’s directions.
- Keep a glass or bottle of water nearby.
- Check whether any antacids contain aluminum or magnesium.
- Follow the schedule for your exact strength.
- Do not combine fexofenadine with another antihistamine unless instructed.
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Shop Fexofenadine 60 mg Take fexofenadine with water and follow the Drug Facts label.Frequently asked questions
Can I take fexofenadine with orange juice?
No. Take fexofenadine with water rather than orange juice.
Can I take fexofenadine with apple juice?
No. Apple juice can interfere with fexofenadine absorption. Use water instead.
What about grapefruit juice?
Fexofenadine should not be taken with grapefruit juice. Take the medicine with water.
Should I take another tablet if I used fruit juice?
No. Do not take an additional dose. Continue according to the package directions and ask a pharmacist if you need help.
Can I drink fruit juice later in the day?
Ask a pharmacist about appropriate timing. The simplest approach is to avoid the identified juices around your dose and take fexofenadine with water.
Can I take fexofenadine with an antacid?
Do not take it at the same time as an antacid containing aluminum or magnesium. Separate the products according to label or pharmacist guidance.
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