This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.
Who can take acrivastine
Most adults up to 65 years, and children 12 years and over, can take acrivastine capsules that you buy from pharmacies and supermarkets.
Who may not be able to take acrivastine
Acrivastine is not recommended for people over 65 years old because very little research on the medicine has been done in this age group.
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you're over 65 and want to take acrivastine.
Acrivastine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to acrivastine or any other medicine
- have kidney disease
- have a rare condition called porphyria
- are due to have an allergy test – taking acrivastine may affect the results, so you might need to stop taking it a few days before the test
- are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.
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