About Allegra
Allegra is an antihistamine treatment for hay fever, or seasonal
allergies, and hives. It is much less likely to cause drowsiness
than previous types of antihistamine. Allegra is safe for individuals
with decreased liver function, and is much less dangerous in combination
with other medication than certain related antihistamines.
Allegra's effects last for about 12 hours, and you should begin
to feel it working about an hour after taking it.
Allegra Side Effects
Side effects are rare with this medication, though they may occur.
If any of them are severe, or don't go away quickly, contact your
doctor.
Infrequent Allegra Side Effects: back pain, cold or flu, cough,
drowsiness, earache, fatigue, headache, lightheadedness, menstrual
cramping, nausea, ringing in the ears, tenderness around eyes or
cheekbones. Allegra-D may occasionally cause agitation, anxiety,
dry mouth, irregular heartbeat, or throat or respiratory irritation.
Rare Allegra Side Effects: anxiety, bad dreams, insomnia, rash.
Contact your doctor immediately if any of the following occur:
difficulty breathing, feeling of warmth or redness in the face or
upper body, hives or swelling on face, extremities, or genitalia.
These conditions may be a sign of an allergic reaction to this medication,
and warrant medical attention. If you have an allergic reaction
to Allegra, you will have to stop taking it. These potential side
effects are very rare.
Cautions: Alert your doctor if you have any of the following
conditions to determine whether a dosage adjustment or another treatment
is required. Allegra may not be right for every patient.
- Allergies - If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Allegra,
you should not use it. If you have ever had an allergic reaction
to pseudoephedrine, do not take Allegra-D.
- Diabetes - Consult your doctor about using Allegra.
- Glaucoma - Your doctor may suggest cautious use or a different
treatment. You should not take Allegra-D.
- Heart problems or high blood pressure - Use Allegra with caution,
and be sure it does not interact with your heart medication if
you are taking any. If you have a pacemaker and take Lanoxin (digoxin),
you should not use Allegra. Avoid taking Allegra-D.
- Hyperthyroidism - Use with caution.
- Kidney problems - You will need to take a lower dose of Allegra.
Follow your doctor's instructions about maximum daily dosage.
- Prostate problems - Use with caution.
Allegra Interactions
Allegra may interact with certain prescription or over the counter
medication. Be sure to speak to your doctor about other medications
or supplements you may take while you are using Allegra.
- Aldomet (methyldopa) - Increased risk of side effects.
- Allergy or Cold medication (antihistamines or decongestants)
- If you are presently taking any over the counter sinus medication,
speak with your doctor or pharmacist regarding possible interactions.
These medications should not be combined with Allegra or Allegra-D.
- Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, like Maalox or Mylanta,
may make Allegra less effective. Ask your doctor or pharmacist
about any prescription or over the counter antacids, to see how
long you should wait between using these medications.
- Diupress or Hydropres (reserpine) - Increased risk of side effects.
- erythromycin - May increase side effect from Allegra.
- Ephedra - This herb, a natural stimulant found in some herbal
energy and weight loss mixtures, should not be combined with Allegra-D.
This combination could overstimulate the nervous system.
- Inversine (mecamylamine) - Increased risk of side effects.
- Lanoxin (digoxin) - Do not use Allegra if you take this medication.
- MAO inhibitors - Allegra should not be mixed with MAO (monoamine
oxidase) inhibitors, a class of antidepressants and antisenility
drugs, such as Eldepryl (selegiline), Furoxone (furazolidone),
Nardil (phenelzine), Marplan (isocarboxazid), or Parnate (tranylcypromine).
Do not use Allegra within 2 weeks of using these medications,
as there is an increased risk of heart complications.
- Nizoral (ketoconazole) - Increased risk of side effects.
- Vitamin supplements - Some of these may interact with Allegra,
particularly those containing magnesium, speak with your doctor
or pharmacist regarding any vitamins you take.
Allegra Dosages
Allegra comes in the following dosages:
- 30 mg tablets
- 60 mg tablets
- 60 mg capsules
- 180 mg tablets
The following Allegra dosages are for individuals 12 and older:
For hay fever or seasonal allergies, the usual dosage is 60 mg,
twice daily, or 180 mg, once daily. For hives, the usual dose is
60 mg, twice daily. If you have kidney trouble, dosage should not
exceed 60 mg daily.
If your doctor gives you a different dosage or schedule for Allegra,
follow their instructions. Do not take this medication more often
than prescribed.
Allegra Directions
If you miss a dose of Allegra, take it as soon as you remember,
unless it is almost time for your next dose. Skip the missed dose
of Allegra and resume your regular schedule. Do not take double
doses of this medication.
Allegra may interact with certain medications given during surgery.
Inform your doctor or dentist in advance that you take Allegra,
and follow any instructions they may give you.
Store Allegra away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry
location; avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other
areas where it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration
date.
Keep Allegra away from children; both when storing it, and when
discarding any unused medication.
Allegra may cause drowsiness or disorientation, though it is much
less likely to do so than older types of antihistamine. Be cautious
if you plan to drive or operate heavy machinery, avoid these activities
if you find yourself feeling tired or experience slowed reactions.
Allegra and Pregnancy
Allegra has not been fully studied for safety in pregnant and nursing
women. Animal testing did not indicate any increased incidence of
birth defects, but did increase the chance of low birth weight.
It is not known at what rate Allegra may pass into breast milk,
you should discuss using Allegra during breastfeeding with your
doctor.
Allegra and Children
Allegra has been tested for use in children 6 years of age and
up. It is usually prescribed at a dosage of 30 mg twice daily
for 6-11 year olds, but the exact amount must be determined
for each child.
Children 12 and older are usually prescribed Allegra at adult doses. Side effects and reactions to Allegra are not noticeably different for individuals over the age of 12.
Children with kidney problems may be prescribed lower doses, usually 30 mg once daily. Always follow your pediatrician's advice on what dosage of Allegra is right for a child.
Allegra and Seniors
Allegra does not seem to affect healthy seniors any differently
than the rest of the adult population.
Special cautions are extended, though, to individuals with pacemakers,
heart or circulatory problems, prostate difficulties, and diabetes.
Allegra is a trademark of Aventis
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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