Allegra Tablets
Chemical Name: FEXOFENADINE (fex-oh-FEN-a-deen)
and PSEUDOEPHEDRINE (soo-doe-e-FED-rin)
Common Allegra uses
This medicine is an antihistamine and
decongestant combination that is used to
relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies such
as watery or itchy eyes, runny nose, itchy
throat, sneezing, and stuffy nose (nasal
congestion).
Before using Allegra
USE
OF THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN UNDER 12 is not
recommended due to the high amount of
pseudoephedrine. Please talk with your
doctor about risks and benefits before
giving this medicine to your child. Some
medicines or medical conditions may interact
with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR
PHARMACIST of all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine that you are
taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are
also taking or have taken in the last 14
days a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, or MAOI,
(e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide,
phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline,
isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine). ADDITIONAL
MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be
needed if you are taking certain blood
pressure medicines (methyldopa, guanethidine,
beta blockers such as propranolol),
adrenaline-like medicines, (e.g., ephedrine,
methylphenidate), antacids containing
aluminum and magnesium, certain herbal
products containing ephedra, or St. John's
wort. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine
without the approval of doctor or
pharmacist. Inform your doctor of any other
medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or
breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT
RECOMMENDED if you have a history of
narrow-angle glaucoma, severe difficulty
urinating (urinary retention), severe high
blood pressure, severe heart/blood vessel
disease (e.g., coronary artery disease), or
if you have experienced serious side effects
in the past with decongestants (e.g.,
irregular heart rhythm). ADDITIONAL
MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be
needed if you have kidney disease, glaucoma
(open angle type), high blood pressure,
diabetes, heart problems (e.g., QT
prolongation, ischemic heart disease),
problems urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate)
or thyroid problems (hyperthyroidism).
Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any questions or concerns about taking
this medicine.
Allegra Directions
Follow the directions for using this
medicine provided by your doctor. This
medicine is usually taken by mouth twice
daily. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush,
or chew before swallowing. Take this
medicine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour
before or 2 hours after eating. High-fat
meals may decrease the absorption of the
medicine into your bloodstream. DO NOT TAKE
ANTACIDS (CONTAINING ALUMINUM OR MAGNESIUM)
within 2 hours of taking this medicine.
These antacids may decrease the absorption
of this medicine. The U.S. manufacturer
recommends that you STORE THIS MEDICINE at
room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F
(20 to 25 degrees C). The Canadian
manufacturer recommends that you STORE THIS
MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and
86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Store this
medicine in a tightly-closed container, away
from heat, moisture, and light. IF YOU MISS
A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as
possible. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to
your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2
doses at once.
Cautions
DO
NOT INCREASE YOUR DOSE or take more of this
medicine than prescribed without checking
with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE
DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY,
OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS
until you know how you react to this
medicine. LIMIT ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES while
taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY
INTERFERE with allergy test results. Check
with your doctor for instruction on how long
you will need to stop taking this medicine
prior to those tests. BEFORE YOU BEGIN
TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription
or over-the-counter, check with your doctor
or pharmacist. This includes any medicines
which contain diet or appetite control
medicines, antihistamines, or decongestants.
Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of
these medicines. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN
THIS MEDICINE IS USED IN THE ELDERLY because
they may be more sensitive to the effects of
the medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON
BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor
the benefits and risks of using this
medicine during pregnancy. ONE OF THE
INGREDIENTS IN THIS MEDICINE (PSEUDOEPHDRINE)
IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT
BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
Possible side effects of Allegra
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during
treatment, include nausea, stomach upset,
trouble sleeping, headache, dizziness,
nervousness, or dry mouth. If they continue
or are bothersome, check with your doctor.
CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you
experience unusually fast/irregular
heartbeat, or uncontrolled shaking or
tremor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if
you experience any serious but unlikely side
effects including seizures, chest pain,
mental or mood changes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION
TO THIS MEDICINE is unlikely, but seek
immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include
rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness,
trouble breathing. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted
side effects or prevent a medicine from
doing its job. Use our drug interaction
checker to find out if your medicines
interact with each other.
Check drug interactions
If you take too much Allegra
IF
OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local
poison control center or emergency room
immediately. Symptoms of overdose may
include irregular or unusually slow or fast
heartbeat, unusual nervousness or
excitement, and seizures.
Additional Allegra information
Carry an identification card at all times
that says you are taking this medicine. DO
NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom
it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS
MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP
THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children
and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN
EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills
before your supply runs out.
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