ALLEGRA
ALLEGRA-D
DRUG INFO
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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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