Can I take Fexofenadine and Sertraline together?

You can take fexofenadine and sertraline together as they use different pathways in the body, have no overlapping side effects and do not interfere with each other.

Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that does not cross the blood-brain barrier significantly and is not processed by the same liver enzymes as sertraline. Sertraline is an antidepressant (SSRI).

How to take fexofenadine and sertraline safely

• Take both medications as prescribed.

• Monitor for any unusual side effects when starting a new medication and inform your doctor or pharmacist of all the supplements and medicines you are taking.

Important precautions

Depression and anxiety disorders

You may experience an increase in suicidal thoughts or the urge to self-harm when first starting sertraline or changing the dose. This is more common in young adults under 25. Contact your doctor or go to hospital immediately if you notice any changes in your mood or behaviour.

Bleeding risk

Sertraline increases your risk of serious bleeding. Use with caution if you take blood-thinning medication (such as warfarin) or regular NSAID painkillers (such as ibuprofen or aspirin).

Low sodium levels (hyponatremia)

Sertraline can cause a serious drop in blood sodium levels, especially in older patients or those taking diuretics. Seek medical help if you experience extreme confusion, weakness, or unsteady gait.

Indigestion remedies (antacids)

Do not take indigestion remedies containing aluminium or magnesium within 2 hours of taking fexofenadine. These can lower the amount of medicine your body absorbs.

Food and drink warnings

Alcohol

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking these medicines. Combining alcohol with fexofenadine or sertraline can increase feelings of drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired concentration, which may increase the risk of accidents.

Fruit juices

Drinking fruit juices, particularly grapefruit, orange, or apple juice, can significantly reduce the amount of fexofenadine absorbed by your body. This makes the medicine less effective.

It is best to take fexofenadine with water and avoid drinking these juices for at least 2 hours before or after taking your dose.

You should avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice while taking sertraline. Grapefruit contains compounds that can increase the levels of sertraline in your blood, which may increase the risk of experiencing side effects.

Caffeine

Sertraline can sometimes make you feel restless or anxious. Caffeine is a stimulant that can worsen these side effects. If you find you are feeling jittery or having trouble sleeping, you should limit your intake of caffeine.

Using other medicines

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.