Allegra OTC

Generic name: Fexofenadine
Drug class: Antihistamines

Usage of Allegra OTC

Allegra OTC is an antihistamine that is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies (hay fever) in adults and children.

Allegra OTC is also used to treat skin itching and hives caused by a condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children at least 6 years old.

There are many brands and forms of fexofenadine available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Allegra OTC may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Allegra OTC side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Allegra OTC may cause serious side effects. Stop using Allegra OTC and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, unusual tiredness);
  • new or worsening cough;
  • pain; or
  • signs of an ear infection--fever, ear pain or full feeling, trouble hearing, drainage from the ear, fussiness in a child.

    • Common side effects of Allegra OTC may include:

  • headache;
  • back pain; or
  • cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat.

    • 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.

    Before taking Allegra OTC

    You should not use Allegra OTC if you are allergic to it.

    Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Allegra OTC is safe to use if you have:

  • kidney disease.

    • Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

    Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. If you are 65 or older, ask a doctor before taking Allegra OTC.

    This medicine may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

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    How to use Allegra OTC

    Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

    Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cough or cold medicine to a child.

  • Ask a doctor before giving Allegra OTC liquid to a child younger than 2 years old.
  • The disintegrating (melting) tablets are not for use in a child younger than 6 years old.
  • The 12-hour and 24-hour forms of Allegra OTC are not for use in a child younger than 12 years old.

    • Take this medicine only with water.

    Take the disintegrating tablet on an empty stomach.

    Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing cup provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

    Remove an orally disintegrating tablet from the package only when you are ready to take the medicine. Place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve, without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves.

    Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

    Store Allegra OTC in its original package at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not allow liquid medicine to freeze.

    Warnings

    Do not take Allegra OTC with fruit juice (such as apple, orange, or grapefruit).

    What other drugs will affect Allegra OTC

    Using Allegra OTC with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

    Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Allegra OTC with any other medications, especially:

  • ketoconazole; or
  • erythromycin.

    • This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Allegra OTC, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

    Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

    The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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