Fexofenadine 120 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) – sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy watery eyes from dust, pollen or pollution; Skin allergy and hives (urticaria) with itching.
Listed MRPs range from ₹2.25 to ₹27.30 per tablet across 8 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fexofenadine Hydrochloride Tablets IP 120mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹22.50 | ₹2.25 | 19 October 2026 |
| Histafree 120 | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 10 | ₹135.87 | ₹13.59 | 19 October 2026 |
| Fexova 120 | Ipca Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹184.36 | ₹18.44 | 19 October 2026 |
| Fexoder 120 | Elder Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹185.60 | ₹18.56 | 19 October 2026 |
| Fexocad 120 | Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹193.50 | ₹19.35 | 19 October 2026 |
| Altiva 120 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹208.10 | ₹20.81 | 19 October 2026 |
| Fexy 120 | Lupin Ltd | 10 | ₹248.25 | ₹24.82 | 19 October 2026 |
| Allegra 120 | Sanofi India Ltd | 10 | ₹272.99 | ₹27.30 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) – sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy watery eyes from dust, pollen or pollution.
- Skin allergy and hives (urticaria) with itching.
- Reactions to insect bites and stings.
- Itching in allergic conjunctivitis and atopic eczema, as part of treatment.
How to take it
Take one 120 mg tablet once a day, at the same time each day, swallowed whole with water. Take it before a meal. Do not take it with apple, orange or grapefruit juice because the juice reduces how much medicine your body absorbs. Fexofenadine starts working within 1 to 2 hours. You may need only a single dose for an insect bite, or daily dosing through the allergy season; ask your doctor how long to continue. See a doctor if symptoms do not settle after a few days or if you develop wheezing or a severe rash.
Side effects
Common
- Headache.
- Feeling sleepy (less than with older antihistamines, but it can happen).
- Feeling sick or dizzy.
- Dry mouth.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Fast or irregular heartbeat – tell your doctor straight away.
- Serious allergic reaction – swelling of the lips, mouth or throat, difficulty breathing, blistered or peeling rash. Go to emergency.
- Sudden confusion, fainting or a child who is limp and unresponsive.
Safety information
Alcohol
Best avoided. Alcohol can add to any sleepiness fexofenadine causes.
Pregnancy
Not usually recommended in pregnancy because there is limited safety data; other antihistamines may be preferred. Small amounts pass into breast milk – check with your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems; a lower dose or a different antihistamine may be chosen.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease before starting.
Children
The 120 mg tablet is for adults and children aged 12 and above. Children aged 6 to 11 use the 30 mg strength twice a day.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Never take two doses together.
Interactions
- Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium (Gelusil, Digene) – leave about 2 hours between them and fexofenadine.
- Fruit juices (apple, orange, grapefruit) – reduce absorption; take the tablet with water.
- Other medicines that cause drowsiness, dry mouth or difficulty passing urine – effects may add up.
- Leflunomide, teriflunomide, velpatasvir and apalutamide – check with your doctor.
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be taken with fexofenadine.
Frequently asked questions
Does Allegra 120 cause sleepiness?
Fexofenadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine and is the least likely of the newer antihistamines to make you sleepy. A few people still feel drowsy, so check how it affects you before driving.
Allegra 120 vs Allegra 180 – which should I take?
Allegra 120 (fexofenadine 120 mg) is the usual dose for allergic rhinitis and hay fever. The 180 mg strength is used for hives (urticaria). Your doctor picks based on the condition.
Can I take Allegra 120 with alcohol?
It is better to avoid alcohol. Alcohol can increase sleepiness and fexofenadine may add to that.
Is Allegra 120 safe in pregnancy?
It is not usually recommended during pregnancy because there is limited safety information. Other antihistamines with more data may be preferred – ask your doctor.
Allegra vs cetirizine – which is better?
Both work about as well for allergies. Cetirizine is more likely to cause drowsiness; fexofenadine is the least sedating option. If one does not help, trying the other is reasonable.
Can I take Histafree 120 every day for months?
Fexofenadine is unlikely to harm you with long-term use, but it is best to take it only as long as you need it, for example during the pollen or dust season. Review with your doctor if you need it all year.
Why should I not take Allegra with orange juice?
Apple, orange and grapefruit juice reduce how much fexofenadine your body absorbs, so the tablet works less well. Take it with plain water.
Is Allegra 120 available without prescription in India?
Fexofenadine is a Schedule H medicine in India, so chemists are supposed to sell it against a prescription even though some pharmacies treat it as an over-the-counter allergy tablet.
How quickly does Allegra 120 work?
You should start to feel better within 1 to 2 hours of taking a tablet, and the effect lasts about 24 hours.
Sources
- NHS – Fexofenadine: how and when to take it (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Fexofenadine: side effects (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Fexofenadine: common questions (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms