What is Allegra/Allegra D?

Allegra,Allegra D (12hr/24hr) are medications used for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. These allergy medicines are used for patients 12 years of age and older.

Allegra is a combination medication containing two active ingredients:Pseudoephedrine(belongs to a group of medications called decongestants) and Fexofenadine ( belongs to a group of medications called antihistamines).These two ingredients work to relieve the symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis, nasal and congestion, runny nose, sneezing, throat irritation and red, itchy, and watery eyes.

How to use Allegra/Allegra-D?

Adults/children 12 yearsand older: The usual dose is one caplet twice daily but if you have poor kidney function your doctor may prescribe a lower dose.Allegra/Fexofenadinecan be taken on an empty stomach.

Allegra tablets should not be taken close to a dose of antacids(within 2 hrs) that contain aluminum or magnesium such as Mylanta, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia and others as it could lessen the effect of Allegra. There are other drugs that could cause Allegra drug interaction such as: erythromycin, St. John's Wort, ketoconazole and rifampin. It is surprising but even grapefruit; apple or orange juice can cause a possible Allegra drug interaction.

It is very important to use this medication exactly as per your Doctor's recommendation.

Do not: use higher dose than as recommended, take double dose to make up for a missed one or stop taking this medication without consulting with your doctor.

Do not: dispose medications in wastewater and always ask a pharmacist on ways to disposing expired medications

Allegra tabletsshould not be used by people who are on monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (within 14 days) or even for those who intend to take such a medication during that time frame. It is also not advisable to take Allegra/Allegra d for people who suffer from severe high blood pressure, severe coronary disease, narrow-angle glaucoma or if allergic to any of the ingredients of the medication.

Allegra side effects- what to expect?

For seasonal allergies:

• Allegra 60mgside effects are low and may include cold or flu like symptoms, drowsiness, nausea, or menstrual pain.
• Allegra180 mgside effects are low and may include headache, cold, or backache.

For Hives:

• Allegra 60 mg side effects may include sinusitis, backache, drowsiness or dizziness

Allegra-D12hr and Allegra-D24hr side effects are similar to Allegra 60 mg alone and Allegra 180mg alone respectively.

Pseudoephedrine side effects may include nervousness, restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, headache, drowsiness, increased heart rate, palpitations, increased blood pressure, or abnormal heart rhythms.

Isgeneric Allegraavailable and is it same as Allegra/Allegra D?

Generic Allegra is also known asFexofenadine.Allegra-D 12hr is now available in generic form and is considered completely identical to the brand-name version. A generic version of Allegra 24hr may become available in 2012.