AllegraŽ is a seasonal allergy medicine that
your doctor may prescribe for you if other allergy
medicines make you drowsy. Fexofenadine, the active
ingredient in Allegra, has been shown not to cause
the drowsiness of other antihistamines.
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Allegra-DŽ
Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement,
not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your
physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the
drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Uses
This medication contains an antihistamine and decongestant
used to relieve allergy symptoms such as itchy red eyes,
stuffy nose and throat irritation.
How to Use
Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach 1
hour before or two hours after meals as directed, usually
twice daily. Taking this medicine with a high fat meal
can decrease its effectiveness. Do not take antacids
containing aluminum and magnesium within 2 hours of
taking this medication. Swallow the medicine whole.
Do not crush or chew the tablet, and do not take more
than prescribed. Do not take this product within 14
days after stopping an MAO Inhibitor (see Drug Interactions).
Side Effects
Nausea, stomach upset, trouble sleeping, headache, or
cold symptoms may occur. If these persist or worsen,
notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly:
dizziness, mental/mood changes, fast heartbeat, fever.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly
unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fainting,
irregular heartbeat. Although drowsiness is very uncommon
at usual doses under normal circumstances, be aware
that drowsiness may occur and may effect the ability
to perfom tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving).
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies,
kidney/urinary problems, enlarged prostate, glaucoma
(narrow angle), severe high blood pressure, heart disease,
diabetes, thyroid problems (hyperthyroid). Limit alcohol
intake, as it may aggravate drug side effects. This
medication should be used only when clearly needed during
pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor. The pseudoephedrine in this product is excreted
into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Caution is advised when this product is used in the
elderly since this group may be more sensitive to side
effects.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription
medication you may use, especially: MAO inhibitors (e.g.,
selegiline, furazolidone, phenelzine, tranylcypromine,
moclobemide, procarbazine, linezolid), certain blood
pressure drugs (e.g., methyldopa, mecamylamine, reserpine,
prazosin), digoxin, all adrenaline-like drugs. Report
other drugs which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation),
such as: dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide,
sparfloxacin, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide
or hydrochlorothiazide). Ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more details. Check the labels carefully on all
nonprescription products, such as cough-and-cold medicines
which contain antihistamines and decongestants. Consult
your pharmacist. Do not take this medication for several
days before any allergy testing since test results can
be affected. Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
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,
rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, and seizures.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed
dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up"
the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees
F (20-25 degrees C) away from sunlight and moisture.
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