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Generic Allegra: 120 mg, 180 mg
Category : Antihistamine
Contents : Fexofenadine
About your Drug
Drug Class : What
is Allegra and why is it prescribed?
Drug Mechanism : How
does Allegra work?
Dosage : How
should you take Allegra?
Possible food and drug interactions
when taking Allegra
Special information on Allegra
Allegra side effects
Drug Class: What is Allegra and why is it prescribed?
Allegra, Fexofenadine is an oral,
"second generation" antihistamine that is used to treat
the signs and symptoms of allergy that are due to histamine.
Allegra relieves the itchy, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy,
red, watery eyes that come with hay fever. Allegra's effect
begins in 1 hour and lasts 12 hours, peaking around the second or
third hour. Allegra is one of the new type of antihistamines that rarely cause drowsiness. In addition, to the antihistamine in Allegra.
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Drug Mechanism: How does Allegra work?
Allegra, Fexofenadine is similar
to the other second generation antihistamines loratadine (Claritin),
cetirizine (Cetirizine) and azelastine (Astelin). Histamine is a chemical
in the body that stimulates the production of mucus and the dilation
of blood vessels. Allergy sufferers recognize histamine's effects as a runny nose and swollen nasal passages. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells (mast cells) and then attaches
to other cells that have receptors for histamine.
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Dosage: How should you take Allegra?
Take Allegra only as prescribed.
ALLEGRA: The usual Allegra dosage
is 1 capsule (60 milligrams) twice a day. People with kidney problems
should take only 1 dose a day.
Overdosage: An excessive dose
of any medicine including Allegra can have serious consequences. Seek medical
attention whenever an overdose of Allegra is suspected.
Symptoms
of Allegra overdose may include: Dizziness, drowsiness, dry
mouth.
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Possible food and drug interactions
when taking Allegra
Check with your doctor before combining
Allegra with erythromycin (E.E.S., Ery-Tab, PCE) or ketoconazole
(Nizoral). These drugs may increase Allegra's effects.
Also check with your doctor before combining it with
the following: Mecamylamine (Inversine), Methyldopa (Aldomet), Reserpine
(Diupress, Hydropres). You should also avoid Allegra-D if
you have a pacemaker and take digoxin (Lanoxin).
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Special information on Allegra
Special information on Allegra if
you are pregnant or breastfeeding: The effects of Allegra during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is
not known whether Allegra appears in breast milk. If Allegra
is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop
nursing until your treatment is finished.
Most Important Fact about
Allegra: Seldane, an antihistamine related to Allegra,
has been implicated in dangerous interactions with the common antibiotic
erythromycin, the antifungal medication ketoconazole (Nizoral),
and several similar drugs. Allegra poses no such risks.
It is also safe for people with liver disease.
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Allegra side effects
Side effects of Allegra cannot be
anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor
as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe
for you to continue taking Allegra. Side effects of Allegra
may include: Colds or flu, drowsiness, fatigue, indigestion, menstrual
problems, nausea. Side effects of Allegra-D may include: Abdominal
pain, agitation, anxiety, back pain, dizziness, dry mouth, headache,
heart palpitations, indigestion, insomnia, nausea, nervousness,
respiratory tract infection, throat irritation.
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