Chemical Name: FEXOFENADINE (fex-oh-FEN-a-deen)
Common uses
Allegra is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies such as runny or itchy nose; sneezing; itchy throat; and watery, itchy, or red eyes. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.
Prior to Use
Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. Do not start or stop any medicine without physician or pharmacist approval. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions including kidney problems, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. If you have questions or concerns about Allegra, be sure to let your physician or pharmacist know.
Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Allegra. You may take Allegra with food, or on an empty stomach. Do not use antacids containing aluminum or magnesium within 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking Allegra. Store Allegra at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Should you skip or forget a dose of Allegra, begin using it immediately. If it is almost time for your next dose, omit the skipped dose and continue to follow your original dosing schedule. Never take more than one dose at the same time.
Warnings
Do not use Allegra if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Do not exceed the recommended dose or take Allegra for longer than prescribed without checking with your physician. Allegra may cause dizziness do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Allegra. Using Allegra alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, consult your pharmacist or physician . This includes any medicines containing additional antihistamines. Allegra may interfere with allergy test results. Check with your physician for instruction on how long you will need to stop taking Allegra prior to those tests. Caution is advised when using Allegra in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Allegra. Women, if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and the risks of using Allegra during pregnancy. Allegra is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while using Allegra, consult your pharmacist or physician to discuss the risks to your baby.
Potential Side Effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include stomach upset, drowsiness, dizziness, or headache. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Consult your physician immediately if you experience stomach pain, back pain, cough, fever, earache, or menstrual cramps. An allergic reaction to Allegra is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.
In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed. Indications of an overdose are unusual or severe drowsiness, dizziness, or dry mouth.
Additional information
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, contact your physician. Do not let anyone else use Allegra. Do not take Allegra to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children and pets. If using Allegra for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
