Allegra

AllegraType: Antihistamine

Active ingredient: Fexofenadine

Common uses: Allegra is commonly used to relieve symptoms of allergies (especially seasonal allergies) , e.g. runny nose, itchy nose, sneezing, itchy throat, red eyes, itchy eyes or watery eyes. Allegra can also be used against hives, as well as to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use: Unless otherwise ordered by your doctor, Allegra is taken orally once a day. It can be taken with or without food. Do not take any antacids containing aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours of taking Allegra, since antacids can decrease the absorption of Allegra.

If you miss a pill, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose completely and stick to your normal dosing schedule. Do no take two doses at once or very close to each other in time.

Never increase the dose of Allegra without checking with your doctor.

How to store: Store Allegra at room temperature. Store in a tightly-closed container. Keep away from heat, light and moisture.

Warnings:

Allegra can cause dizziness and may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Do not drive or operate machinery, or do anything similar that could be dangerous, until you know from experience that Allegra does not cause dizziness in you.

Other medicines, both prescription medicine and over-the-counter medicine, can impact on how you react to Allegra. Do not combine Allegra with other medicines without checking with your doctor. This includes combining Allegra with other antihistamines.

Alcohol, even in small doses, can impact how you react to Allegra.

Since Allegra is an antihistamine, it can interfere with allergy test results.

Caution is advised when using Allegra in the elderly, because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Allegra.

If you are or plan on becoming pregnant while using Allegra, discuss the benefits and the risks of using Allegra during pregnancy with your doctor.

It is unknown if Allegra is excreted in breast milk. If you are or plan on breastfeeding while using Allegra, discuss the benefits and the risks of using Allegra while breastfeeding with your doctor.

Examples of reported side effects of using Allegra:

  • Stomach upset
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Back pain
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Stuffy nose
  • Ear ache
  • Dizziness

These side effects may go away during treatment.

An allergic reaction of Allegra is unlikely, but if it occurs you should seek immediate medical attention. Rash, itching, swelling, breathing difficulty and severe dizziness are symptoms of an allergic reaction.