OBIHIST 180 mg contains fexofenadine hydrochloride which belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. OBIHIST 180 mg: is used in adults and adolescents of 12 years and older to relieve the symptoms that occur with long term allergic skin reactions (chronic idiopathic urticarial) such as sneezing, itching, swelling and rashes.
1. What OBIHIST 180 mg is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you take OBIHIST 180 mg
Do not take OBIHIST 180 mg if :
- you are hypersensitive (allergic) to fexofenadine hydrochloride or any of the other ingredients of OBIHIST 180 mg (listed in section 6: See what OBIHIST 180 mg contains below).
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding your baby.
Warnings and precautions
Special caution should be taken with OBIHIST 180 mg:
- If you have kidney disease.
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have or ever had heart disease, since OBIHIST 180 mg may lead to a fast or irregular heartbeat.
- If you are elderly.
If any of these apply to you, or you are not sure, inform your doctor or pharmacist before taking OBIHIST 180 mg.
Children
OBIHIST 180 mg should not be given to children under the age of 12 years old as the safety and efficacy has not been studied.
Other medicines and OBIHIST 180 mg
Always tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicine. (This includes all complementary or traditional medicines.) In particular, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:
The following medicines may increase the level of OBIHIST 180 mg in your blood:
- erythromycin (an antibiotic)
- ketoconazole (a medicine used to treat fungal infections)
- apalutamide (a medicine to treat prostate cancer).
The following medicine may lower the amount of OBIHIST 180 mg in your blood:
- Aluminium and magnesium hydroxide containing antacids for indigestion may affect the action of OBIHIST 180 mg, by lowering the amount of medicine absorbed. It is recommended that you leave about 2 hours between the time that you take OBIHIST 180 mg and your medicine for indigestion.
No interaction between OBIHIST 180 mg and the medicine omeprazole (for ulcers and heartburn) was observed.
OBIHIST 180 mg with food and drink and alcohol
Taking OBIHIST 180 mg with alcohol should be avoided.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding and fertility
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other health care provider for advice before taking OBIHIST 180 mg.
Pregnancy
You should not take OBIHIST 180 mg when you are pregnant as there are no studies performed in pregnant women.
Breastfeeding
You should not breastfeed your baby when you are on OBIHIST 180 mg treatment as OBIHIST 180 mg may be secreted in breast milk.
Fertility
There are no studies of the effect of OBIHIST 180 mg on human fertility.
Driving and using machines
OBIHIST 180 mg is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, you should check that OBIHIST 180 mg does not make you feel sleepy or dizzy before driving or operating machinery. If you take alcohol or other sedatives, these effects may be worsened.
OBIHIST 180 mg contains: OBIHIST 180 mg contains sugar (lactose monohydrate). If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking OBIHIST 180 mg.
3. How to take OBIHIST 180 mg
Do not share medicines prescribed for you with any other person. Always take OBIHIST 180 mg exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor, pharmacist or nurse has told you. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are not sure.
The usual dose is:
For adults and children aged 12 years and over: OBIHIST 180 mg: The recommended dose is one tablet daily. Take your tablet with water before a meal. Do not chew the tablets.
If you take more OBIHIST 180 mg than you should
In the event of overdosage consult your doctor or pharmacist. If neither is available contact the nearest hospital or poison control centre. Symptoms of overdosage include dizziness, drowsiness and dry mouth.
If you forget to take OBIHIST 180 mg
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time for your next dose. In that case, just carry on with the next dose as normal. Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten individual doses.
If you stop taking OBIHIST 180 mg
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you want to stop taking OBIHIST 180 mg before you have finished your course of treatment. If you stop taking OBIHIST 180 mg earlier than planned, your symptoms may return.
4. Possible side effects
OBIHIST 180 mg can have side effects. Not all side effects reported for OBIHIST 180 mg are included in this leaflet. Should your general health worsen or if you experience any untoward effects while taking OBIHIST 180 mg, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional for advice.
If any of the following happens, stop taking OBIHIST 180 mg and tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital:
- Sudden signs of allergy – including skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips or tongue, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest tightness and flushing. These are all very serious side effects. If you have them, you may have had a serious reaction to OBIHIST 180 mg. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following:
Frequent side effects
- Headache, drowsiness, dizziness
- Nausea
Less frequent side effects
- Difficulty sleeping, sleep disorders, bad dreams, excessive dreaming, nervousness
- Skin rash and itching, hives
- Tiredness
Frequency unknown
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Diarrhoea
- Blurred vision
If you notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.
Reporting of side effects
If you get side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects to SAHPRA via the “6.04 Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Form”, found online under SAHPRA’s publications: https://www.sahpra.org.za/Publications/Index/8. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of OBIHIST 180 mg.
5. How to store OBIHIST 180 mg
STORE ALL MEDICINES OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Store at or below 25 °C. Protect from light and moisture. Store in the original package/container. Keep the HDPE container closed. Keep the blister in the carton until required for use. Do not store in a bathroom. Do not use OBIHIST 180 mg after the expiry date stated on the carton. Return all unused medicine to your pharmacist. Do not dispose of unused medicine in drains or sewerage systems (e.g. toilets).