Acrivastine
Acrivastine is a non-sedating antihistamine medication used to relieve symptoms of allergic conditions such as hay fever, perennial rhinitis, and urticaria (hives). It works by blocking histamine receptors to reduce sneezing, itching, runny nose, and skin rashes associated with allergic reactions.
Acrivastine is a non-drowsy antihistamine used to treat seasonal allergies, allergic rhinitis, and skin reactions like hives.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- R06AX18
- RxNorm
- 19959
- Generic
- Acrivastine
- Class
- atc-r06
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh potential risks
regular prenatal check-ups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid close to delivery due to potential neonatal effects
fetal monitoring in third trimester
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
acrivastine passes into breast milk, avoid during breastfeeding
monitor infant for excessive drowsiness
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart with lower dose
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to antihistamines
monitor for sedation and anticholinergic effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12not recommended
not recommended for children under 12 years of age
n/a
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentno adjustment needed for mild impairment
use with caution, monitor renal function
periodic renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentavoid or significantly reduce dose
not recommended in severe renal impairment due to accumulation risk
frequent renal function monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderate hepatic impairmentno standard adjustment, use with caution
use with caution in hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
concurrent alcohol useavoid alcohol with acrivastine
avoid alcohol consumption while taking acrivastine
monitor for enhanced sedation
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA Approval Year
FDA approval year for acrivastine
Drug class
ATC classification for acrivastine
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Treatment of allergic rhinitis (hay fever and perennial allergies), urticaria (hives), allergic skin conditions, and relief of symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes.
Acrivastine is a selective H1 histamine receptor antagonist that blocks the action of histamine, a substance released during allergic reactions that causes typical allergy symptoms like itching, swelling, and mucus production.
Considered a second-generation antihistamine with lower sedation risk compared to older antihistamines, though some drowsiness may still occur. Should be used with caution when operating machinery. May interact with other medications and is not recommended for certain populations; consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy