* Generic Name: fexofenadine hcl
* Brand Name: Allegra
* What is fexofenadine?
* What are the possible side effects of fexofenadine?
* What is the most important information I should know about
fexofenadine?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
fexofenadine?
* How should I take fexofenadine?
* What happens if I miss a dose?
* What happens if I overdose?
* What should I avoid while taking fexofenadine?
* What other drugs will affect fexofenadine?
* Where can I get more information?
What is fexofenadine?
Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of
natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce
symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Fexofenadine is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies
(hay fever) in adults and children.
Fexofenadine is also used to treat skin itching and hives caused by a
condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and
children.
Fexofenadine may also be used for purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What are the possible side effects of fexofenadine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an
allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face,
lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking fexofenadine and call your doctor if you have fever,
chills, body aches, cough, or other flu symptoms.
Less serious side effects may include:
* nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach;
* menstrual cramps;
* drowsiness, tired feeling;
* headache; or
* muscle or back pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about fexofenadine?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if you are
allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease.
Do not take fexofenadine with fruit juice (such as apple, orange,
or grapefruit).
Take the disintegrating tablet on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour
before or 2 hours after a meal.
There may be other drugs that can affect fexofenadine. Tell your doctor
about all medications you use. This includes prescription,
over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new
medication without telling your doctor.
Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think
you have used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of
an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse
after you start taking fexofenadine. Never use more than the
recommended dose.
Allegra Patient Information including How Should I Take
Could I Be Allergic? Discover Your Allergy Triggers
Common Allergy Triggers Slideshow Pictures
RxList
Take the Quiz on Allergies
Nasal Allergy Relief:Products That Work
Nasal Allergy Relief Products Slideshow Pictures
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fexofenadine?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine
if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether fexofenadine will
harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to
become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether fexofenadine passes into breast milk or if it
could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling
your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Fexofenadine tablets and capsules may be used to treat seasonal
allergy symptoms in children who are at least 6 years old.
Fexofenadine oral suspension (liquid) may be used in children ages 2
through 11. When treating chronic idiopathic urticaria, the liquid may
be used in children as young as 2 months old.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
How should I take fexofenadine?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take the regular tablet with a full glass of water. Do not use any
other type of liquid.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose.
To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked
measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you
do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
To take fexofenadine orally disintegrating tablets (Allegra ODT):
* Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the
medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet
blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage
the tablet.
* Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It
will begin to dissolve right away.
* Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth
without chewing.
* Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may
drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.
Take the disintegrating tablet on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour
before or 2 hours after a meal.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse
after you start taking fexofenadine. Never use more than the
recommended dose.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the
medicine bottle tightly closed.
Allegra Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
Could I Be Allergic? Discover Your Allergy Triggers
Common Allergy Triggers Slideshow Pictures
RxList
Take the Quiz on Allergies
Nasal Allergy Relief:Products That Work
Nasal Allergy Relief Products Slideshow Pictures
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since cold or allergy medicine is taken as needed, you may not be on a
dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the
missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is
almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to
make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, dizziness, or drowsiness.
What should I avoid while taking fexofenadine?
Avoid using antacids within 15 minutes before or after taking a
medication that contains fexofenadine. Antacids can make it harder for
your body to absorb this medication.
Fruit juices and certain antacids can make it harder for your body to
absorb fexofenadine. Do not take fexofenadine with fruit juice (such as
apple, orange, or grapefruit).
Avoid taking any other cold or allergy medicines unless your doctor has
told you to.
What other drugs will affect fexofenadine?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you regularly use
other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine,
sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers,
and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to
sleepiness caused by fexofenadine.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
* ketoconazole (Nizoral); or
* erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin,
Pediazole).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with
fexofenadine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This
includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products.
Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about fexofenadine.
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