Allegra

The active ingredient in Allegra is fexofenadine hydrochloride (HCl). It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms. When you come into contact with an allergen, such as pollen or pet dander, your body releases histamine, leading to sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. Allegra binds to the histamine receptors in your body, preventing histamine from producing its effects.

By blocking the action of histamine, Allegra reduces the severity of allergy symptoms and provides relief within one hour of ingestion. Unlike some antihistamines, Allegra does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier, which means it does not typically cause drowsiness or impair cognitive function. This makes Allegra an excellent choice for individuals who need to stay alert and focused throughout the day.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Allegra. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Allegra:

• Avoid exceeding the recommended dose, as it will not provide additional benefits and may increase the risk of side effects.
• Take Allegra with a glass of water. You can take Allegra with food or on an empty stomach but do not take it with fruit juice (such as apple, orange, or grapefruit) as they can affect how well your body absorbs it.
• Swallow the tablet whole, without crushing or chewing it. If you are taking the orally disintegrating tablets, place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve before swallowing. You can take it with or without water. If you are using the liquid form, use the medication dose cup or the oral syringe to measure your dose of Allegra; do not use any household materials or anything that is not given to you by a healthcare professional.
• If you forget to take a dose of Allegra, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
• Avoid consuming grapefruit juice or excessive amounts of alcohol while taking Allegra, as they may increase the risk of side effects or interfere with the medication's effectiveness.
• If you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications, it's essential to inform your healthcare provider before starting Allegra. They can provide personalized advice on the suitability of Allegra for your specific situation.

The most common side effects of Allegra include:

• Headache
• Cough
• Upper respiratory tract infection

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Allegra. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reaction. Symptoms could include:
• Hives
• Trouble breathing
• Swelling of the lips or face

These are not all of the possible side effects of Allegra. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Allegra, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

An Allegra allergy or an allergy to any of its ingredients, including colloidal silicon dioxide.

Phenylketonuria (PKU). The orally disintegrating Allegra tablets contain phenylalanine, which can be dangerous for you if you have PKU.

Patients with a known hypersensitivity to fexofenadine or any of the ingredients of Allegra.

Allegra typically starts working within one hour of taking it. It provides fast relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. For optimal effectiveness, take Allegra as directed, and its effects can last for up to 24 hours.

When Allegra is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Erythromycin
• Ketoconazole
• Do not take antacids containing aluminum and magnesium within 2 hours of taking Allegra.

Allegra comes in a variety of different doses and packages. The recommended dosage of Allegra depends on several factors, including the age of the individual, the severity of the allergies, and any underlying medical conditions. It's important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the product packaging.

Children: Allegra is approved for use in children aged 6 years and older. The dosage for children aged 6 to 11 years is 30 mg twice daily. It's important to consult a healthcare provider before giving Allegra to a child to determine the appropriate dosage and ensure its safety.

Adults: Allegra is commonly used by adults to relieve allergy symptoms. The recommended dosage for adults is 60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once daily. It's crucial to follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the product packaging.

Elderly: Allegra can be safely used by elderly individuals; however, caution should be exercised due to potential age-related changes in kidney and liver function. It's advisable to consult a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage for elderly individuals and monitor for any potential side effects or interactions with other medications.

If you have kidney disease or liver problems, your healthcare provider may recommend a lower dose of Allegra or adjust the dosing schedule to ensure your safety and optimize the medication's effectiveness.

Allegra tablets and capsules should be stored at a controlled room temperature (20-25°C (68-77°F)). Keep out of reach of children, away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Allegra (fexofenadine HCl) is manufactured by Sanofi.

There is a lower-cost generic available for Allegra. Related medications include Claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), and Loratadine (loratadine).

To stop taking Allegra, you can generally discontinue it without any tapering, as it does not cause dependence. If your allergy symptoms return after stopping, consult your doctor for alternative treatments. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice to ensure proper management of your allergies.

It is not clear if Allegra is safe to take during pregnancy, but studies suggest that the medication doesn't appear to raise the risk of harm in unborn babies. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you. It is not known what effects Allegra has on milk production or nursing infants.