Fexofenadine 180 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Chronic hives (urticaria) – itchy wheals that keep coming back; Hay fever and allergic rhinitis – sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy watery eyes.
Listed MRPs range from ₹3.51 to ₹31.20 per tablet across 7 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fexofenadine Tablets IP 180 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹35.07 | ₹3.51 | 19 October 2026 |
| Air 180 | Systopic Laboratories Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹69.00 | ₹6.90 | 19 October 2026 |
| Histafree 180 | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 10 | ₹192.11 | ₹19.21 | 19 October 2026 |
| Altiva 180 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹240.94 | ₹24.09 | 19 October 2026 |
| Fexova 180 | Ipca Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹287.15 | ₹28.71 | 19 October 2026 |
| Fexy 180 | Lupin Ltd | 10 | ₹299.50 | ₹29.95 | 19 October 2026 |
| Allegra 180 | Sanofi Consumer Healthcare India Limited | 10 | ₹312.04 | ₹31.20 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Chronic hives (urticaria) – itchy wheals that keep coming back.
- Hay fever and allergic rhinitis – sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy watery eyes.
- Itching from insect bites, stings and other allergies.
- A non-drowsy option when cetirizine or chlorpheniramine make you sleepy.
How to take it
Take one 180 mg tablet once a day, at the same time each day, before a meal with a glass of water. Swallow it whole. Do not take it with orange, apple or grapefruit juice, and keep antacids containing aluminium or magnesium (Digene, Gelusil) at least 2 hours away, because both reduce how much is absorbed. For hives it is taken daily until the rash settles; for seasonal allergies it can be taken through the season. See a doctor if the hives last more than 6 weeks or you have swelling of the lips or breathing difficulty.
Side effects
Common
- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Drowsiness – much less than older antihistamines.
- Dizziness.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Fast or irregular heartbeat – tell your doctor.
- Severe allergic reaction – swelling of the lips, mouth or throat, difficulty breathing, blistering rash.
Safety information
Alcohol
Fexofenadine is non-sedating, so alcohol is less of a problem than with cetirizine, but it is still wise to keep it moderate as it can add to dizziness.
Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Other antihistamines with more safety data, such as loratadine or cetirizine, are usually preferred in pregnancy.
Kidney problems
The dose may be reduced in kidney disease because fexofenadine is cleared by the kidneys. Tell your doctor.
Liver problems
No dose change is usually needed, but tell your doctor about liver disease.
Children
The 180 mg tablet is for ages 12 and above. Children 6 to 11 take 30 mg twice a day, usually as syrup or a smaller tablet, on a doctor's advice.
Missed dose
Take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Do not take two tablets together.
Interactions
- Antacids with aluminium or magnesium (Digene, Gelusil) – take 2 hours apart.
- Fruit juices – orange, apple and grapefruit juice reduce absorption; take with water.
- Ketoconazole, erythromycin – can raise fexofenadine levels; usually not a problem but tell your doctor.
- Other antihistamines or sedating cough syrups – no need to combine; ask your pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions
Allegra 120 vs Allegra 180 – what is the difference?
Both contain fexofenadine. 120 mg once a day is the usual dose for hay fever and sneezing; 180 mg once a day is used for hives and itchy skin rashes. Your doctor picks based on your symptoms.
Allegra 180 before or after food?
Before food, with a glass of water. Do not take it with fruit juice, which reduces how much is absorbed.
Does Allegra 180 cause sleepiness?
Fexofenadine is one of the least sedating antihistamines, and most people can drive and work normally. A few people do feel drowsy, so see how it affects you first.
Is Allegra 180 safe in pregnancy?
There is less safety data for fexofenadine in pregnancy than for loratadine or cetirizine, so doctors usually prefer those. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking it.
Can I take Allegra 180 with alcohol?
Fexofenadine does not interact strongly with alcohol, unlike older antihistamines, but alcohol can still add to dizziness. Keep it moderate.
Allegra vs Cetzine – which is better?
Both relieve sneezing, runny nose and itching. Cetirizine works slightly faster but often causes sleepiness; fexofenadine is non-drowsy but costs more. For hives at night, some doctors prefer cetirizine; for daytime use, fexofenadine.
Can I take Allegra 180 with Montair (montelukast)?
Yes, the two are often combined for allergic rhinitis with asthma, and fixed-dose tablets such as Montair-FX exist. Take them only as your doctor prescribes.
How long can I take Allegra 180 daily?
For chronic hives doctors often prescribe it daily for weeks to months. If you need it daily for more than a few weeks, see a doctor to look for the cause of the allergy.
Sources
- NHS – Fexofenadine (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