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Is It Safe to Combine Fexofenadine and Alcohol?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

The combination of using fexofenadine and alcohol will not usually cause severe adverse effects, but alcohol may exacerbate potential side effects. Patients taking this medication should avoid alcohol until they know how the drug will affect them and which side effects, if any, are most prevalent. Additionally, those who have been drinking for long periods of time and who have related liver or kidney problems should alert their doctors of this since fexofenadine may cause complications in those with certain health conditions.

In general, use of fexofenadine and alcohol is considered safe. The medication is prescribed in the treatment of allergy symptoms, and is considered a non-drowsy formula. Some very sensitive patients may still become drowsy while using fexofenadine, however, and should avoid driving or using machinery until it is determined how severe side effects will be. Since alcohol may also cause sleepiness in some people, it should not be combined with this drug until patients understand how their bodies will react.

Drinking should be done in moderation when fexofenadine and alcohol are combined.
Drinking should be done in moderation when fexofenadine and alcohol are combined.

When fexofenadine and alcohol are combined, drinking should be done in moderation. Additional side effects of this medication may become more severe when alcohol is consumed at the same time or shortly before or after. For instance, fexofenadine and alcohol may both cause stomach upset, dizziness, and headache. These symptoms may become very severe and troublesome in some individuals when both substances are consumed within a short period of time. Others may be able to handle the combination without experiencing any adverse effects at all.

Fexofenadine and alcohol may both cause dizziness, upset stomach, and headache.
Fexofenadine and alcohol may both cause dizziness, upset stomach, and headache.

Although indirectly related, taking fexofenadine and alcohol may worsen certain health conditions. Patients with liver or kidney disease are often advised to avoid taking this medication as well as drinking alcoholic beverages because both may lead to further damage. A doctor is needed to give accurate information on combining alcohol with fexofenadine in those with certain health conditions.

Some patients may still become drowsy while using fexofenadine, and drinking alcohol may amplify this side effect.
Some patients may still become drowsy while using fexofenadine, and drinking alcohol may amplify this side effect.

Women who are pregnant or nursing a baby should consult a physician before taking fexofenadine. They should also avoid drinking alcohol unless otherwise instructed by a doctor. Patients should not drink alcohol the first time they take this medication because it may impair their ability to recognize potentially severe side effects related to an allergic reaction. Symptoms of a severe reaction can include hives, extreme dizziness, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, vomiting, swelling of the mouth and surrounding areas, and fever. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

Discussion Comments

stoneMason

@turkay1-- Have you asked your doctor or a pharmacist? I just checked my fexofedine tablets and it says "avoid alcohol while on this medication" on the bottle. I don't think you should drink.

fify

@turkay1-- That sounds like a good plan. Also, don't take your medication close to the time that you will be drinking. Try to leave at least eight hours between them. Make sure to drink on a full stomach and drink plenty of water that day.

Drinking in moderation with fexofenadine is not a problem for most people. The main concern is for people with liver problems. Fexofenadine is broken down in the liver and so is alcohol. When we drink alcohol, our liver has to work very hard to get the alcohol out of our system because it considers it a toxin. So if someone with liver issues is taking fexofenadine, and also drinks alcohol, it could result in liver damage or failure.

candyquilt

I was put on fexofenadine a few weeks ago and I haven't drank alcohol while on them yet. But I'm planning to go out with friends next weekend and I would like to have a drink or two. I would have actually avoided it but my doctor said that I will be on this medication for a while.

I guess I'll just have something with a low alcohol content and then wait for a while to see what happens. I hope I don't get any side effects. The good thing is that fexofenadine doesn't give me much drowsiness, so hopefully it won't be too bad.

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    • Drinking should be done in moderation when fexofenadine and alcohol are combined.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Drinking should be done in moderation when fexofenadine and alcohol are combined.
    • Fexofenadine and alcohol may both cause dizziness, upset stomach, and headache.
      By: Focus Pocus LTD
      Fexofenadine and alcohol may both cause dizziness, upset stomach, and headache.
    • Some patients may still become drowsy while using fexofenadine, and drinking alcohol may amplify this side effect.
      By: oporkka
      Some patients may still become drowsy while using fexofenadine, and drinking alcohol may amplify this side effect.
    • Mixing fexofenadine and alcohol usually doesn't cause any adverse effects.
      By: orcea david
      Mixing fexofenadine and alcohol usually doesn't cause any adverse effects.
    • Side effects from the use of fexofenadine can include shortness of breath.
      By: DURIS Guillaume
      Side effects from the use of fexofenadine can include shortness of breath.