Holly F asked
Does Allegra (fexofenadine) make you drowsy?
Answer
Allegra (fexofenadine), a second generation antihistamine, is considered non-drowsy and should not cause sedation in most individuals. Other second generation antihistamines include:
- Zyrtec (cetirizine)
- Claritin (loratadine)
- Xyzal (levocetirizine)
Second generation antihistamines offer two main benefits over first generation antihistamines (e.g. Benadryl):
- They typically last 24 hours per dose
- They are non-drowsy (with the exception of Zyrtec)
Allegra Studies On Drowsiness
Multiple studies have been conducted on Allegra (fexofenadine), confirming the medication's lack of sedatory effect.
One study, evaluating of the effects of high doses of fexofenadine on the central nervous system, found that doses of 360 mg of Allegra were "demonstrably free from disruptive effects on aspects of psychomotor and cognitive function". In adults, the maximum recommended daily dose of Allegra is 180 mg, one-half the dose that was used in the study.
Another study evaluated Allegra in regard to the potential to affect driving performance due to sedation/drowsiness. They authors found that participants in the study had a similar driving performance, regardless of whether or not they were treated with Allegra or placebo.
Lastly, a placebo-controlled study was conducted with 42 aviation personnel in a trial that measured drowsiness, cognitive performance, and vigilance. The participants were given 180 mg Allegra, 50 mg Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or placebo. The results of the study showed that while participants using Benadryl has significant psychomotor effects, those using Allegra and the placebo were unaffected. The authors concluded that Allegra was safe to use in aviation personnel.
Based on the data available, Allegra should not cause sedation in most people and is appropriately considered "non-drowsy".
