What Is Allegra (Fexofenadine)?
Allegra is in a class of medications known as antihistamines, which stop the effects of histamine, a substance in your body that causes allergic symptoms by blocking the histamine receptor known as the H1 receptor.
Allegra causes less drowsiness than other antihistamines. It can help alleviate symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing; red, watery, or itchy eyes; itchy nose, throat or roof of the mouth; or itchy skin and rash.
Allegra comes in tablet and liquid form. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1995.
Allegra Warnings
Allegra helps control the symptoms of allergies or hives, but it does not cure them. You should continue to take the drug even if you feel well and do not experience symptoms.Before starting Allegra, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
Allegra may interfere with skin allergy tests and you may need to stop it before having these tests.
Use Allegra with caution in elderly patients, as they may be more sensitive to its effects. This drug can be used to treat hives in patients 6 months or older and to treat allergies and allergic reactions in patients 2 years of age and older.
Allegra's safety and effectiveness has not been confirmed in children younger than 6 months of age.
Pregnancy and Allegra
Before taking Allegra, tell your physician if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Because there are no controlled studies in human pregnancy, Allegra is only recommended for use in pregnancy when the benefits outweigh the risks. Animal studies have shown dose-related decreases in weight gain and survival in rat pups.Allegra (Fexofenadine) Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Allegra:
Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects are severe or do not go away while taking Allegra.- Dizziness
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pain
- Pain in the arms, legs, or back
- Pain during menstrual period
- Cough
Serious Side Effects of Allegra:
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects while taking Allegra.- Hives
- Rash
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Itching
- Swelling of the face, throat, lips, tongue, eyes, hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
- Hoarseness
Allegra (Fexofenadine) Interactions
Allegra and Alcohol
Taking Allegra with alcohol may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Talk to your doctor about consuming alcohol while taking Allegra.Allegra and Drug Interactions
To avoid drug interactions, tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you are taking, especially:- Erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin)
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium (Maalox, Mylanta)
Allegra and Other Interactions
Don't drink fruit juice at the same time you take Allegra. Certain juices (such as grapefruit, apple, or orange) may decrease the effectiveness of this medication.Allegra (Fexofenadine) Dosage
For seasonal allergies and hives: 60 milligrams (mg), twice daily, or 180 mg, once daily
Children ages 2-11:
For seasonal allergies or hives: 30 mg, twice daily
Children 6 months to age 2:
For hives: 15 mg, twice daily
*The suspension form of Allegra is typically used for children who are under age 6.
Allegra Overdose
Contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately if you suspect an overdose. You can get in touch with a poison control center at (800) 222-1222.Missed Dose of Allegra
If you miss a dose of Allegra, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular dosing schedule. You should not "double up" to make up for a missed one.Allegra Pictures
