A short-acting non-drowsy antihistamine
Acrivastine
A fast-acting, less-sedating antihistamine for hay fever and itchy allergic rashes; it works quickly but lasts a shorter time than once-daily antihistamines, so it is taken more often through the day.
What is Acrivastine?
Acrivastine is a non-drowsy (second-generation) antihistamine used in the UK for hay fever, other allergies and itchy nettle-rash (hives, or urticaria). It blocks histamine, the chemical that causes sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes and skin reactions. It acts quickly but does not last as long as some other antihistamines, so it usually needs to be taken a few times a day when symptoms are present.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Acrivastine — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Acrivastine is an antihistamine. Antihistamines treat the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy watery eyes and itchy skin. Acrivastine belongs to the newer, less-sedating group of antihistamines, so it is less likely to make you sleepy than older ones like chlorphenamine. It is mainly used for hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and for itchy allergic skin rashes such as hives.
How it works
When the body reacts to an allergy trigger such as pollen, it releases a chemical called histamine. Histamine causes the sneezing, itching, runny nose and watery eyes of an allergic reaction. Acrivastine blocks the H1 histamine receptors that histamine acts on, so these symptoms are eased. Because it does not cross easily into the brain, it is less likely than older antihistamines to cause drowsiness, though some people may still feel a little sleepy.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Sold in the UK over the counter, including as Benadryl Allergy Relief, and as generic acrivastine..
Acrivastine is a non-drowsy (second-generation) antihistamine available in UK pharmacies for hay fever and other allergies.
What it treats
Conditions Acrivastine is used for
Practical use
How to take Acrivastine
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Swallow the capsules with a drink of water.
- It can be taken with or without food.
- Because it is short-acting, it is usually taken a few times during the day when you have symptoms.
- You can take it when symptoms appear rather than every day if your allergy is occasional.
- Avoid alcohol while taking it, as this can add to any drowsiness.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Acrivastine
Advantages
- Starts to work quickly, which is helpful for sudden allergy symptoms.
- Less likely to cause drowsiness than older antihistamines.
- Available without prescription from UK pharmacies.
- Useful for both hay fever and itchy allergic skin rashes.
Disadvantages
- Shorter-acting, so it needs taking more often than once-daily antihistamines.
- Can still cause some drowsiness in certain people despite being non-drowsy.
- Not suitable for some people with kidney problems.
- Decongestant combination versions are not suitable for everyone, such as those with high blood pressure.
Practical use
Good to know
Acrivastine works quickly, which makes it useful for allergy symptoms that come and go, but it has a shorter effect than once-daily antihistamines, so it is taken several times a day. It is sometimes combined with a decongestant for a blocked nose. Although marketed as non-drowsy, a few people still feel sleepy, so it is sensible to see how it affects you before driving.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People with significant kidney problems, in whom it may not be suitable.
- Older people, in whom a different antihistamine is often preferred.
- People who have had an allergic reaction to acrivastine or to triprolidine.
- People needing the decongestant combination who have high blood pressure, heart disease or an overactive thyroid.
Monitoring
- No routine blood tests are needed.
- Check whether it makes you drowsy before driving or operating machinery.
- Review with a pharmacist or doctor if symptoms are not controlled.
Side effects
- Drowsiness or sleepiness in some people.
- Dry mouth.
- Headache.
- Feeling sick.
- Rarely, an allergic reaction to the medicine itself.
Key interactions
- Alcohol, which can increase drowsiness.
- Other sedating medicines, such as some sleeping tablets or strong painkillers.
- Decongestant ingredients in combination products may interact with some blood pressure or antidepressant medicines.
Available as: Capsules taken by mouth, including combination products with a decongestant.
Answers
Acrivastine: frequently asked questions
Is acrivastine a non-drowsy antihistamine?
Yes, it belongs to the newer, less-sedating group of antihistamines, so it is far less likely to make you sleepy than older ones. Even so, a small number of people still feel some drowsiness.
How is acrivastine different from other hay fever tablets?
Acrivastine acts quickly but lasts a shorter time, so it is taken a few times a day, whereas some antihistamines such as cetirizine or loratadine are taken once daily.
Can I drive after taking acrivastine?
Most people can, as it rarely causes drowsiness. However, it is wise to see how it affects you first, and avoid driving if you feel sleepy.
Can I take acrivastine with alcohol?
It is best to avoid alcohol, as it can add to any drowsiness the medicine may cause.
What is acrivastine used for?
It is used for hay fever and other allergies that cause sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes, and for itchy allergic skin rashes such as hives.
The wider class
About Antihistamines
Acrivastine belongs to the antihistamines class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
Browse by body system
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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