What is fexofenadine? The hay fever pill that could save your summer
About a quarter of the population suffers from hay fever, although the charity Allergy UK says levels are rising, with as many as 49 per cent of people now reporting symptoms. Rajan's followers, however, say 'fex' has relieved them of theirs. So what is it and how does it compare with other allergy drugs?
The most commonly taken hay fever medications are both antihistamines: cetirizine (often sold under the brand names Benadryl or Piriteze) and loratadine (Clarityn). They work by stopping you feeling the effects of histamine — the chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction. This chemical causes the runny nose, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes.
• Why nature isn't to blame for your hay fever hell
These pills make you less drowsy than older generations of antihistamine such as chlorphenamine (Piriton), they last longer and are less likely to disrupt the important REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep. Cetirizine and chlorphenamine are generally faster-acting than loratadine, both taking effect within an hour compared with up to three hours, but loratadine can last for up to 24 hours. Cetirizine can also last all day but is slightly more likely to cause drowsiness than loratadine. Chlorphenamine lasts up to six hours.
Fexofenadine is also an antihistamine, but has only been available over the counter since December 2020. It is generally the least sedating of the antihistamines and lasts for 24 hours. It can cost more than cetirizine or loratadine, but buying a branded version such as Allevia (£12.49 for 30 tablets at Boots) is unnecessary. 'Generic versions are cheaper and equally effective,' says Dr Chris Rutkowski, a consultant allergist at OneWelbeck in London. 'When looking at a label you should focus on the active ingredient rather than a brand.'
The active ingredient is fexofenadine hydrochloride, which, despite the glowing reports sent to Rajan, is no more potent than the other histamine blockers. 'All antihistamines work a little differently in different people and it's worth trying a few to see which suits you, but they are really pretty similar,' says Professor Adam Fox, chairman of the National Allergy Strategy Group.
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Fexofenadine is suitable for most people aged six and above. If the single 120g adult dose isn't working for you, talk to your pharmacist or GP about a larger dose. There are very few people who cannot take antihistamines but if you have glaucoma, prostate issues, a heart condition or are on certain medications it's best to check with your GP first. 'Side-effects for fexofenadine are typically mild,' Fox says, but they can include those of the other antihistamines: dry mouth, nausea, headaches.
Adding a steroid nasal spray may help some sufferers. For serious cases Rutkowski says to consider sublingual immunotherapy (Slit), where a small amount of pollen is placed under the tongue.
• How to exercise when you suffer from hay fever
Alternatively Fox recommends asking your GP about prescription-only tablets such as Grazax and Itulazax, which treat grass and tree pollen allergies respectively.
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