Generic name: fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine [ fex-oh-fen-a-deen-and-soo-doe-ee-fed-rin ]
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations
Dosage form: tablet, film coated
Availability: Rx and/or otc
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available
Brand names: Allegra-d, Fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine, Allegra-d 12 hour allergy and congestion, Allegra-d 24 hour allergy and congestion, Antihistamine and nasal decongestant
What is Allegra-d 24 hour?
The pseudoephedrine in Allegra-D 24 Hour is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose). Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Allegra-D 24 Hour an extended-release tablet tablet taken once daily and is used to treat sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.
Allegra-D 24 Hour is for use in adults and children 12 years of age and older.
Warnings
Allegra-D 24 Hour may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Allegra-D 24 Hour.
Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cough, cold, allergy, or sleep medicine. Antihistamines and decongestants are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine or decongestant.
How should I take Allegra-d 24 hour
Use Allegra-D 24 Hour exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cold or allergy medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.
Take Allegra-D 24 Hour on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Take this medicine only with water. Avoid fruit juice; especially orange, apple, or grapefruit juice. Fruit juice can make it harder for your body to absorb fexofenadine.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.
If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken a cold or allergy medicine within the past few days.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
one tablet (180 mg/240 mg) orally once a day.br />
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
13 years or older:
one tablet (180 mg/240 mg) orally once a day.
Before Taking
Do not use Allegra-D 24 Hour if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take Allegra-D 24 Hour if you have:
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kidney disease;
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glaucoma;
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heart disease or high blood pressure;
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diabetes;
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thyroid disorder; or
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bladder obstruction or other urination problems.
It is not known whether Allegra-D 24 Hour will harm an unborn baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.
Pseudoephedrine can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breast-feeding.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Allegra-D 24 Hour is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using Allegra-d 24 hour?
Do not take Allegra-D 24 Hour with fruit juice (such as apple, orange, or grapefruit). These juices can make it harder for your body to absorb fexofenadine.
Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or after you take Allegra-D 24 Hour. Do not use this medicine at the same time as antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold or allergy medicine. Many combination medicines contain pseudoephedrine. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this medicine.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of this medication.
Allegra-d 24 hour side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Allegra-D 24 Hour: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
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pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; or
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severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, tremors, or nervousness.
Common Allegra-D 24 Hour side effects may include:
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mild dizziness;
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dry mouth, nose, or throat;
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nausea; or
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sleep problems (insomnia).
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.
See more: Allegra-d 24 hour Side EffectsWhat other drugs will affect Allegra-d 24 hour?
Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking Allegra-D 24 Hour with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Other drugs may interact with fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.