Allegra DRUG INFO
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.
FEXOFENADINE-PSEUDOEPHEDRINE EXTENDED
RELEASE - ORAL (fex-oh-FEN-uh-deen WITH sue-doh-eff-ED-rin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Allegra D
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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