ALLEGRA-D

Who is Allegra-D for ?

Allegra-D combines 60mg of fexofenadine and 120mg of pseudoephedrine into one extended- release tablet. Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that provides relief from symptoms of seasonal and allergic rhinitis (e.g., hay fever) such as watery eyes, runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that relieves congestion, promotes sinus draining, and improves breathing. Allegra-D can be used in adults and children 12 years of age or older.

Fexofenadine with pseudoephedrine is a combination of an antihistamine and decongestant. It treats allergy symptoms by preventing histamine from binding to histamine (H1) receptors, thereby blocking the histamine reaction. Histamine is a substance in the body that stimulates the production of mucus and the dilation of blood vessels. Allergy sufferers recognize histamine's effects as a runny nose and swollen nasal passages. Pseudoephedrine, a decongestant, causes the blood vessels in the airways to constrict to help open up the airways and also causes the airway muscles to relax. It also increases heart rate and contractions of the heart and thus should be used with caution in patients with heart conditions like hypertension.

When should I be careful taking Allegra-D ?

Before taking fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to fexofenadine (Allegra), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially medications for colds or allergies, diet or appetite control, asthma, or blood pressure; digitalis; and vitamins. Do not take fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (phenelzine [Nardil] or tranylcypromine [Parnate]) in the last 2 weeks.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, diabetes, an overactive thyroid gland, an enlarged prostate, or difficulty urinating.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine.

Side Effects

Although side effects from Allegra-D are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Palpitations
• Agitation

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• Difficulty breathing
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Muscle weakness
• Tremors
• Sleeplessness
• Nervousness
• Dizziness