Allegra

Fexofenadine Hydrochloride Drug Information

• Allegra Overview

  Fexofenadine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. It works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction.

• How to Use Allegra

  If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before taking Allegra. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed Allegra, take it as directed, usually 2 times daily (every 12 hours). If you are using the liquid form of Allegra, shake the bottle well before each dose and measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Take the tablet/capsule or liquid form of Allegra with or without food. If you are using the rapidly-dissolving tablet, take it on an empty stomach. Allow the rapidly-dissolving tablet to dissolve on the tongue and then swallow, with or without water. Do not remove the tablet from the blister pack until right before using. If you need a liquid to take Allegra (such as when taking the tablets/capsules), then take Allegra with water. Do not take with fruit juices (such as apple, grapefruit, or orange) since they may decrease the absorption of Allegra. The Dosage of Allegra is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take Allegra more often than directed. Do not take antacids containing aluminum and magnesium within 2 hours of taking Allegra. These antacids can decrease the absorption of fexofenadine. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

• Allegra Precautions

  Before taking fexofenadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Allegra may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Allegra, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,kidney disease. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Liquid products may contain sugar. The rapidly-dissolving tablets may contain aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using Allegra safely. During pregnancy, Allegra should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Allegra passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Allegra Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Allegra, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Allegra Interactions

  See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Allegra may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including allergy skin testing), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Allegra.

• Allegra Side Effects

  What are Allegra side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Allegra may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Allegra as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Allegra

  The side effects of Allegra may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Allegra. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Allegra may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Allegra, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Allegra.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Allegra, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Allegra and the side effects associated with Allegra are described in the following:

  Common Allegra Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  Less Frequent Allegra Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • viral infection
  • pharyngitis
  • sinusitis
  • xerostomia
  • dyspepsia
  • dysmenorrhea
  • back pain
  • myalgias
  • drowsy
  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • skin rash
  • headache disorder
  • nausea
  • vomiting

  Rare or Very Rare Allegra Side Effects

  Severe

  • acute bacterial otitis media
  • upper respiratory infection
  • urticaria
  • anaphylaxis
  • hypersensitivity drug reaction

  Less Severe

  • nightmares
  • agitation
  • earache
  • pruritus of skin
  • insomnia
  • fever
  • pain
  • cough
  • abdominal pain with cramps
  • nervousness

• Allegra Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Different brands of Allegra may have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Allegra when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.