What side effects are possible with this medication?
A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. A side effect may be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, but does not occur in everyone. Not everyone will experience side effects, and which side effects a person experiences cannot be anticipated.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. If you develop any of these side effects (or any other side effects not listed here) or they change in intensity, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on managing them and on the risks and benefits of the medication.
- anxiety
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- headache
- heartburn
- irregular or rapid heartbeat
- nausea
- nervousness, agitation or restlessness
- shakiness or tremor
- throat irritation
- trouble sleeping
Click here to learn about serious side effects that can potentially occur with any medication. These examples are provided for information purposes only and are not meant to be exhaustive. Always consult your doctor for sound medical advice specific to your particular medication and treatment.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Be sure to inform your doctor of all your medical conditions before you begin taking a medication. Some conditions can affect how you should take this medication.
Kidney disease: People with kidney disease may need a lower dose. If you have kidney disease, check with your doctor.
Medical conditions: People with the following conditions should be closely monitored by their doctor while taking decongestants such as pseudoephedrine:
- diabetes
- enlarged prostate
- glaucoma
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- high intraocular (inside the eye) pressure
- kidney disease
- overactive thyroid
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medication.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if fexofenadine passes into breast milk. Women should stop breast-feeding while they are taking this medication.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children less than 12 years of age.
Seniors: Seniors should use this medication with caution, as they are more likely to experience the side effects of pseudoephedrine.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
An interaction between medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. The following medications may affect the way fexofenadine-pseudoephedrine works, be affected by fexofenadine-pseudoephedrine, or increase the risk of side effects:
- antacids containing both aluminum and magnesium
- appetite suppressants
- blood pressure medications
- digoxin
- MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
- other decongestants
- stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine)
If you are taking any of these or other medications (including non-prescription, herbal, and supplement products), speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want to change your therapy or may suggest ways of managing any interactions. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your doctor know if you use them. Medications other than those listed above may also interact with this medication.