Allegra; What It Is, Its Uses, Side Effects And Interactions
What is Fexofenadine? It is the main chemical composition of Allegra, and it falls under the group of 2nd generation antihistamines. Fexofenadine is used to formulate an oral suspension, comprising of Fexofenadine and Pseudoephedrine, for children. Histamine is a natural chemical produced in the body, to help the body regain balance when there is a shortage of potassium or water. The excessive production of histamine conjures up symptoms such as sneezing and itching. The Fexofenadine inhibits the excessive production of histamine, while Pseudoephedrine causes blood vessels to constrict (narrow) allowing less fluid to go through them; which prevents the excessive release of fluid into tissues, which commonly results in swelling and other symptoms such as itching.
Administering The Drug
Allegra Fexofenadine is available in Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODT) and oral suspension forms. The tablets are available in 30 mg, 60 mg, 120 mg and 180 mg strengths. The oral suspension is administered according to a physician’s recommendation, but each millimeter contains 6 mg of Allegra. The Fexofenadine dosage is prescribed according to the severity of the patient’s condition.
The drug should not be removed from its package until the scheduled administration time. The drug is slightly soluble in water; dry your hands before handling the tablet. Place the tablet in your mouth and allow it to dissolve. Avoid chewing on the drug; drink liquid several times as the tablet slowly dissolves in your mouth. The tablet should also be swallowed 1 to 2 hours before meals.
Allegra tablets should be stored in a tightly closed bottle, at room temperature and away from access to water or moisture.
Who Can Use The Drug?
It is best to consult with a physician before using Allegra. The Fexofenadine pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings dictate that the drug should not be used during pregnancy because it could harm the unborn fetus. Likewise, nursing mothers should refrain from using the drug because it could be passed on to the baby when breast-feeding.
However, the drug is generally prescribed to people who suffer from symptoms, which arise as a reaction to the over-production of histamine. The drug is also prescribed to both adults and children who develop seasonal allergies such as hay fever, hives and itching. An Allegra oral suspension is prescribed to children between the ages of 2 to 11, to treat a condition known as chronic idiopathic urticaria. The oral suspension can be used by children under the age of 2; if a physician recommends it.
If you suffer from pre-existing conditions such as kidney problems, you should inform your doctor who will, then advise you about other alternative medications.
What You Should Know Before Using The Drug
The active ingredient in Allegra tablets is Fexofenadine hydrochloride. The Fexofenadine ingredients include:
Tablets
- Citric acid anhydrous
- Mannitol
- Crospovidone
- Methacrylate
- Povidone K-30
- Microcrystalline cellulose
- Sodium starch glycolate and sodium bicarbonate
- Magnesium state
- Pregelantized starch
- Aspartame
- Artificial orange and cream flavor
- Alcohol anhydrous
During the manufacturing process, alcohol is removed.
Oral suspension
- Propylene glycol
- Ederate disodium
- Xanthan gum
- Sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate and sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate
- Propylparaben
- Poloxamer 407
- Xylitol
- Artificial raspberry and cream flavor
- Purified water
It is wise to go through the ingredients and notify your doctor if you suffer from any allergies. Like with all drugs in general, Fexofenadine and Alcohol do not react well together. When dissolving the tablets in your mouth, avoid drinking fruit juices. Some juices are known to release antacids into the body which lower the absorption rate of the drug. The drug should also be taken on an empty stomach.
Let your doctor know if you are on any other medications, including vitamins, before going on Allegra.
Side Effects Of Using The Drug
It should be noted that all drugs come with side effects, although most people rarely experience these side effects, and if they do they are often experienced mildly. Generally, the side effects experienced while on Allegra are sometimes mild and in rare cases, a serious allergic reaction will be experienced. The common Fexofenadine side effects include:
- Headaches
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Cramps or stomach aches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Nervousness
Serious reactions to the drug are rarely experienced, but if they do occur, immediate medical attention should be sorted. Some of the serious side effects to the drug include:
- Rashes breaking out on the skin
- Swelling of the face, throat or tongue
- Itching
- Nosebleeds
- Diarrhea
- Fast or irregular heart beats
- Tightness or pain experienced around the chest
- Difficulties in breathing
- Severe dizziness
Fexofenadine interactions occur mostly when a patient is on other medications while using Allegra. It is recommended that you should check the product information on cough bottles, because they might contain antihistamines; which will inadvertently increase the chances of developing side effects to the drug? If you use Ketoconazole or erythromycin, you should let your doctor know before going on Fexofenadine. Note that the list only provides the side effects which have been noted during control studies and those which patients commonly seek treatment for. The list could be longer; you should seek immediate medical help if you experience any unusual symptoms following the use of this drug.
Is There Any Relation Between Allegra And Fluoxetine?
Fluoxetine falls under the psychotherapeutic drugs. It is used to treat depression and prescribed to people with bipolar disorders. On the other hand, Allegra falls under the antihistamine drugs and is prescribed to treat Hay fever, Urticaria and other similar allergy symptoms. The only similarity between the two drugs is some of the side effects that they share; such as drowsiness, dizziness, anxiety, swelling of the tongue/face and nervousness. However, most of the Fluoxetine side effects tend to be very severe requiring immediate medical attention.
What Happens If You Exceed The Recommended Dosage?
Immediate medical attention should be sorted in the event of a Fexofenadine overdose. If a family member who is on the medication takes an overdose of the drug, you should contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 (in the US).
The following signs usually pint out to an Allegra overdose:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
It should be noted that dizziness, and drowsiness only occur if the recommended dosage is exceeded. If the dizziness and drowsiness are severe, you should seek immediate medical help.
Where Can You Buy The Drug From?
Allegra tablets and oral suspension should only be bought with a doctor’s prescription. You can buy Fexofenadine online by clicking on the link found at the top of this page. However, it is advisable to buy Fexofenadine over the counter. If you buy Fexofenadine from a pharmacy, you can get comprehensive information on how to properly use the drugs. You are also guaranteed that you are buying the genuine product. Look at the Fexofenadine picture found on this page, and always make sure that the tablets or oral suspension that you purchase comes in a similar package.
How Much Does The Drug Cost?
The cost of Fexofenadine is determined by the prescribed dosage and where the drug is bought. To find the best Fexofenadine price range, follow the link at the top of this web page.
