Fexofenadine Dose: What You Need to Know About Dosage, Safety, and Alternatives

When you're dealing with seasonal allergies, fexofenadine, a non-drowsy antihistamine used to treat hay fever and chronic hives. Also known as Allegra, it works by blocking histamine without making you sleepy—unlike older options like diphenhydramine. But getting the fexofenadine dose wrong can mean you’re either under-treated or risking side effects. It’s not just about popping a pill; it’s about matching the dose to your age, symptoms, and kidney function.

Most adults take 120 mg, the standard daily dose for allergic rhinitis once a day. For kids 6 to 11, it’s usually 30 mg, a lower strength designed for pediatric use twice a day. If you have kidney problems, your doctor might cut that dose in half—because fexofenadine leaves your body through your kidneys. Taking too much can cause dizziness, headaches, or even an irregular heartbeat. And no, drinking orange juice with it won’t help; in fact, it can block absorption. Water is the only reliable choice.

Many people switch from loratadine or cetirizine to fexofenadine because they’re tired of feeling groggy. But if one antihistamine doesn’t work, it doesn’t mean another will. Your body might just need a different approach—like nasal sprays, avoiding triggers, or even allergy shots. Fexofenadine isn’t a magic bullet, but when used right, it’s one of the cleanest options out there. You’ll find posts here that dig into how it compares to other meds, what happens when generics don’t deliver, and why some people still get symptoms even on the right dose. Whether you’re new to this medication or have been taking it for years, the real answers aren’t on the bottle—they’re in how it works for your body, your lifestyle, and your health history.