How And When To Take Acrivastine

If you or your child have been prescribed acrivastine, follow your doctor's instructions about how and when to take it.

If you bought acrivastine from a pharmacy or shop, follow the instructions that come with the packet.

Dosage and strength

Acrivastine comes in 8mg capsules. The usual dose for adults (up to 65 years) and children aged 12 and over is 1 capsule, taken up to 3 times a day.

When it's mixed with a decongestant, each capsule contains 8mg of acrivastine and 60mg of pseudoephedrine. The usual dose for adults (up to 65 years) and children aged 12 and over is 1 capsule, taken up to 3 times a day.

Do not take more than 3 acrivastine capsules, or 3 acrivastine mixed with pseudoephedrine capsules, in 24 hours.

How to take it

Always take acrivastine capsules with a drink of water, milk or juice (but do not drink grapefruit juice with acrivastine as you may be more likely to get side effects).

Swallow the capsules whole. Do not chew them.

You can take acrivastine with or without food.

How long to take it for

How long you take it for depends on why you're taking acrivastine.

You may only need to take it as a one-off dose or for 1 or 2 days - for example, if you have a reaction to an insect bite.

You may need to take acrivastine for longer if you're taking it to prevent symptoms - for example, to stop hay fever symptoms when the pollen count is high.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure how long you need to take acrivastine for.

If you forget to take it

Take your forgotten dose as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose. Do not take more than 3 capsules in 24 hours.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

Acrivastine is generally very safe. Taking more than the recommended dose is unlikely to harm you.

Contact 111 for advice now if:

You take more than the recommended dose of acrivastine and:

you have a headache, a fast heartbeat or feel sleepy
you are concerned
you have taken it with pseudoephedrine (Benadryl Allergy Relief Plus Decongestant), even if you do not you have any symptoms

Call 111 or get help from 111 online.

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance

Bring the acrivastine packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

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