NHS says anyone taking common tablet must avoid three drinks in latest guidance

NHS says anyone taking common tablet must avoid three drinks in latest guidancePeople taking the common medication should avoid taking it with certain beveragesCommentsNewsCharlotte Smith Senior Lifestyle Content Editor11:19, 13 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesTaking the medication with the drinks could reduce its efficiency (stock image)(Image: Getty)The NHS website offers a wealth of information for anyone taking various types of medication, including advice on what to avoid, such as certain foods and drinks. With spring underway and the weather warming up, there is one tablet many people across the UK will be taking daily to tackle a common condition.‌Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is very common. It affects about 10 to 16 million people in the UK, meaning that around one in five people will experience it at some point in their lives. Recent estimates show that almost 49% of people in the UK may have hay fever symptoms.‌Antihistamines can help ease symptoms for those who suffer from allergies, including fexofenadine. The medication is used for hay fever, conjunctivitis, eczema, hives, reactions to insect bites and stings and some food allergies.‌According to the NHS, it is available on prescription and comes as tablets. You can also buy 120mg fexofenadine tablets for adults and children aged 12 years and over from pharmacies and supermarkets.It is important to be aware of what people taking the tablet should avoid, as the NHS advises against drinking three types of juice while on the medication. On the health service's website, the latest guidance states: "Do not drink grapefruit juice, orange juice or apple juice while taking fexofenadine as these can reduce how well the medicine works."View 3 ImagesPeople taking the tablet urged to avoid certain drinks (stock image)‌It also mentions: "Fexofenadine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, but some people still find it makes them feel quite sleepy... It's best not to drink alc...