Allegra

Fexofenadine hydrochloride drugs include such brand name as Allegra. This type of medication belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamine which are used to treat hayfever, and prevent runny nose, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and other symptoms of allergy. Allegra, as an antihistamine, is formulated to work against the chemical histamine naturally-present in the human body.

Allegra is available both in tablet and liquid forms. The Allegra pill is to be administered orally. Each tablet may contain 30 mg, 60 mg, or 180 mg of fexofenadine hydrochloride, as well as the following ingredients: magnesium stearate, pregelatinized starch, croscarmellose sodium, and microcrystalline cellulose.

The Allegra Oral Suspension is a white suspension containing 6mg of fexofenadine hydrochloride for every mL, as well as the following ingredients: edetate disodium, xanthan gum, sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate, polypropylene glycol, sucrose, propylparaben, sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate, butyparaben, titanium dioxide, xylitol, poloxamer 407, purified water, and artificial raspberry flavor.

Before patients take Allegra, they should inform their doctors about any drug or food allergies, particularly to antihistamines. Health diseases, such as kidney, liver, or heart disease should be made known to the health care professional as well. Since Allegra belongs to the pregnancy category C of the FDA, it means that the impact of the medication to unborn babies have not yet been determined. However, the use of Allegra within the pregnancy period should be done with doctor’s approval.

It is not known if the drug can be passed to a breastfed baby via the mother’s breast milk. Hence, nursing mothers should consult their doctors regarding this issue. Moreover, this medication is not intended for children below six years old.

Allegra should be taken exactly as prescribed. Each dose should be taken in with a glass of water. Normally, Allegra is prescribed to be taken two times each day, once in the morning and another in the evening. However, if your doctor’s instruction is different, follow the instruction as prescribed. The medication should not be taken along with or close to an antacid dose containing magnesium or aluminum as it can reduce the efficiency of Allegra. Patients should not take more than the prescribed dose. If symptoms seem to be inadequately treated, talk to your doctor about it. Allegra should be stored at room temperature, and should be kept away from heat and moisture.

In case you miss a dose, take it the moment you remember it. But if the next dose is supposed to be taken in a short while, forget the missed dose and follow the scheduled dosing. A double dose should not be taken to compensate for a missed dose.

Recommended dosing for seasonal types of allergies in adults, as well as children who are at least 12 years old is twice daily for 60 mg tablets, or once daily for 180 mg. Children between 6 and 11 years old should be made to take 30 mg two times within the day. Patients of chronic urticaria who are 12 years old and older require two doses of 60 mg Allegra daily, while patients in the 6-11 age bracket need two doses of 30 mg daily. This particular medication may be taken before or after meals.

Allegra side effects are mostly minor and rarely occur. These are: drowsiness, nausea, weakness, or vomiting. Allergic reactions may also be experienced by some patients and are usually characterized by difficulty in breathing and closing of throat.

Some patients may experience other effects of the medication. If this is the case, they should talk to their doctors about any unusual side effects observed. After all, medication is supposed to relieve symptoms, not trigger them.