Allegra (fexofenadine)

Generic Name: Fexofenadine
Brand Names: Allegra, Allegra ODT

What is Allegra?

Allegra (fexofenadine) is an antihistamine that decreases the effects of the natural chemical histamine that is present in our bodies. Histamine may cause symptoms such as the symptoms of itching, sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose.

Allegra can be used for treating the effects of seasonal allergy (hay fever) in children and adults.

This medication can also be used to treat itching of the skin and hives that result from chronic idiopathic urticaria that affects both children and adults.¶

Warnings

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you take Allegra if you have an allergy to any medication or if you suffer from kidney disease.

Do not consume Allegra in conjunction with juices of fruits (such as orange, apple, and grapefruit).

There could be other medications that could influence Allegra. Inform your doctor about any medicines you take. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter vitamins, herbal, and vitamin products. Do not begin an entirely new drug without consulting your physician.

Stop taking this medication and seek emergency medical assistance if you suspect you’ve taken excessive amounts of medication or if you exhibit any of the symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing; hives, and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.

Consult your physician if your symptoms don’t improve, or if your symptoms become worse after taking Allegra. Do not exceed the dosage recommended by your doctor.

Before taking this medication, you must consult your physician

Consult a physician or pharmacist if it’s safe to take Allegra If you’re sensitive to any medication or have kidney disease.

FDA pregnant category C. It is not clear whether Allegra can affect a newborn baby. Consult your physician if you are pregnant or intend to get pregnant taking the medication. It isn’t known if the fexofenadine is absorbed into breast milk, or if it can harm the baby who is nursing.

Avoid using this medication without consulting your doctor that you are breastfeeding your baby. Allegra capsules and tablets can serve to manage symptoms of seasonal allergies for children who are at minimum 6 years old. The oral suspension of Allegra (liquid) is a possibility for children between the ages of 2 and 11. If you are treating chronic idiopathic urinary tract infections it is possible to use the liquid utilized in children who are as young as 2 months older. Do not give this remedy to children without medical advice.

What is the best way to take Allegra?

Utilize this medication strictly as per the directions on the label or as directed by your physician. Don’t use it in greater than smaller doses or for longer periods than prescribed.

Use the normal tablet along with a cup of drinking water. Do not mix with any other liquid. Mix the suspension (liquid) thoroughly before you take a dosage. To ensure you receive the correct dosage you should measure the liquid using an appropriately marked measuring spoon or medicine cup and not using a spoon for table use. If you don’t have an instrument for measuring doses Ask your pharmacist for one.

To consume fexofenadine by mouth disintegrating tablets (Allegra ODT):

Place the tablet in its blister package up until the time you’re ready to consume the medication. Then, open the pack and peel back the foil that was inside the tablet’s blister. Don’t push the tablet through the foil as you could harm the tablet.
Utilizing dry hands, remove the tablet from your hands and put it inside your mouth. It will begin to disintegrate immediately.
Don’t swallow the tablet completely. Allow it to dissolve into your mouth, without chewing.
Drink several times until the tablet disintegrates. If you wish, drink a liquid to aid in swallowing the tablet after it has disintegrated.

Consume the Allegra disintegrating tablet with a full stomach, at least an hour prior to or 2 hours following a meal.

Consult your physician if your symptoms don’t improve, or if your symptoms become worse once you begin taking Allegra. Don’t exceed the dosage recommended by your doctor.

Keep Allegra within the room at room temperatures, away from heat and moisture. Make sure the bottle is securely sealed.

If I do not take the dose?

Since allergy or cold medication is administered in a prescribed manner, you might not be on a regular dosing schedule. If you’re taking the medicine regularly, you should take the missed dose immediately when you remember. Avoid any missed doses if you are nearing the time for the next dose. Don’t take any extra medication to make up for the missed dose.

How do I react if consume too much?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact for help at the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

The symptoms of an overdose can include dizziness, dry mouth, or tiredness.

What to avoid?

Avoid taking antacids 15 minutes prior to or following using a medicine that contains Allegra. Antacids can make it difficult for the body ability to take this medication.

Certain antacids, as well as fruit juices, can hinder your body’s ability to absorb the fexofenadine. Don’t take Allegra by drinking fruit juice (such as orange, apple, and grapefruit).

Do not take any other cold or allergy medicine unless your doctor has instructed you to.

Side effects

Seek medical attention immediately If you experience any of the following signs that indicate an allergic reaction to Allegra symptoms: hives; difficulty breathing and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue. You should stop taking Allegra and contact your doctor when you experience chills, fever or body aches, cough, or any other symptoms of the flu.

Less significant Allegra side effects can include:

nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, chest pain
menstrual cramps and menstrual bleeding;
fatigue, drowsiness;
headaches migraine
back or muscle discomfort.

This isn’t an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical the effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs can have an effect on Allegra?

Before you take this medicine consult your physician whether you are a regular user of other medications that make you sleepy (such as allergy or cold medication, sedatives, opioid pain medication, sleeping medication, muscle relaxers, and medications to treat depression, seizures, and anxiety). They may contribute to insomnia caused by Allegra.

Discuss with your doctor all other medications you take particularly:

ketoconazole (Nizoral); or
Erythromycin

This list isn’t complete and other medications may interfere with Allegra. Discuss with your physician the medications you are taking. This includes prescription, over-the-counter vitamins, herbal, and vitamin products. Don’t start an entirely new drug without consulting your physician.

More details

Always consult your doctor to make sure the information presented on this page is applicable to your specific situation.

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