Allegra
From PharmDatabase.org
Generic name: Fexofenadine
Brand names: Allegra
Related Medical Conditions: Allergy
Related Groups: Antihistamine
Contents |
What is Allegra?
Fexofenadine is a powerful, nonsedating antihistamine (allergy medicine) prescribed by your doctor.
Antihistamines work against the naturally occurring chemical histamine in your body.
Fexofenadine is used to prevent sneezing, runny nose, itching and watering of the eyes, and other allergic symptoms.
Also, in some persons histamine can close up the bronchial tubes (air passages of the lungs) and make breathing difficult. Histamine can also cause some persons to have hives, with severe itching of the skin.
Fexofenadine is available only with your doctor's prescription/
Allegra Usage and Dosage
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Fexofenadine is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and the evening. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not take fexofenadine close to a dose of an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium such as Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid Complete, and others. These antacids may decrease the effects of fexofenadine.
The dose of fexofenadine may be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of fexofenadine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
For oral dosage form (capsules, tablets):
- For symptoms of hay fever:
- Adults and children 12 years of age and older—60 milligrams (mg) two times a day , or 180 mg once a day.
- Children 6 to 11 years of age—30 mg two times a day
- Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For symptoms of chronic hives
- Adults and children 12 years of age and older—60 mg two times a day, or 180 mg once a day.
- Children 6 to 11 years of age—30 mg two times a day.
- Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Allegra Side Effects
Stop taking fexofenadine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Allergic reactions occur only rarely, and other serious side effects are not likely to occur.
Some less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take fexofenadine and talk to your doctor if you experience nausea or an upset stomach.
Side effects with Allegra 180 mg for seasonal allergies are low and may include headache, cold, or backache.
Side effects with Allegra 60 mg for seasonal allergies are low; less than 3% of people experience cold or flu, nausea, menstrual pain, or drowsiness.
Side effects with Allegra 60 mg for hives are low and may include backache, sinusitis, dizziness, or drowsiness.
Side effects with Allegra 30 mg are low and may include headache, cold, coughing, or accidental injury.
Side effects with Allegra-D 12 Hour and Allegra-D 24 Hour were similar to Allegra 60 mg alone (headache, insomnia or nausea) and Allegra 180 mg alone (headache, cold or backache) respectively. Due to the decongestant (pseudoephedrine) component in both Allegra-D 12 Hour and Allegra-D 24 Hour, these products must not be used if you: are taking an MAO inhibitor (a medication for depression) or have stopped taking an MAO inhibitor within 14 days; retain urine; have narrow-angle glaucoma; have severe high blood pressure or severe heart disease. Side effects with pseudoephedrine may include nervousness, restlessness, dizziness, or insomnia. Headache, drowsiness, increased heart rate, palpitations, increased blood pressure, and abnormal heart rhythms have been reported. You should also tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, glaucoma, thyroid disease, impaired kidney function, or symptoms of an enlarged prostate such as difficulty urinating.
Other Drugs Interaction
Do not take fexofenadine close to a dose of an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium such as Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid Complete, and others. These antacids may decrease the effects of fexofenadine.
Allegra Storage
Store fexofenadine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.
