Information About Allegra-D
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: Allegra-D contains an antihistamine and decongestant used
to relieve allergy symptoms such as itchy red eyes, stuffy nose
and throat irritation.
HOW TO USE: Take Allegra-D 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.
|