Allegra (Fexofenadine)

What is Allegra?

Allegra (fexofenadine hydrochloride) is an antihistamine.

What is Allegra used for?

Allegra is indicated for the prevention and treatment of seasonal allergy symptoms such as itchy throat, runny or itchy nose, sneezing, and red, itchy or watery eyes. It is also used to treat hives and skin itching caused by chronic idiopathic urticaria in children and adults.

How does Allegra work?

Allegra works by reducing the natural chemical histamine in the body as histamine is responsible for producing symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes or itching.

How to use Allegra

Allegra should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken twice daily, with a full glass of water. Do not use any other type of liquid. Allegra (both regular tablet and suspension form) can be taken with or without food.

If you are taking the suspension form of Allegra, shake the bottle well before use. While measuring the liquid dose, do not use a regular spoon. Measure it with a special dose measuring cup or spoon.

Allegra orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) has to be taken on an empty stomach.  Using dry hands, take out the tablet from the pack and place it in your mouth. The tablet will begin to dissolve immediately. Do not swallow the tablet. Allow it to dissolve. Take this tablet at least 2 hours after or an hour before a meal.

Allegra warnings and precautions

Do not use Allegra if you have kidney disease or if you are allergic to any drug.

Do not take Allegra with fruit juice (grapefruit, apple or orange juice). Avoid using any cold or allergy medicine while using Allegra. Avoid taking antacids within 15 minutes (before or after) taking the Allegra as antacids make it harder for the body to absorb the drug.

Pregnant women should not take the drug without consulting their doctors as the drug may cause harm to an unborn baby. If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance. It is not known if the drug passes into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Hence, lactating females should consult their doctors prior to taking the medicine.

What do I do if I have missed a Allegra dose?

If you have missed your Allegra dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Allegra overdose?

If you have taken an Allegra overdose you should seek emergency medical attention.

Allegra interactions

Before taking Allegra, consult your doctor if you are taking erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin, Ery-Tab) or ketoconazole (Nizoral).

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use including mineral and vitamin supplements. Do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Allegra side effects

Allegra side effects include fever, chills, body ache, cough, or other flu symptoms; breathing difficulty; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Allegra, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.

Diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, upset stomach, drowsiness, headache, menstrual cramps, pain in the back or muscles are some less serious side effects from Allegra.