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.
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.
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.
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.