ALLEGRA

Who is Allegra for ?

Fexofenadine, an antihistamine, is used to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms including runny nose; sneezing; and red, itchy, tearing eyes. It may cause fewer side effects, particularly drowsiness, than other antihistamines. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Fexofenadine 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.

When should I be careful taking Allegra ?

Before taking fexofenadine,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to fexofenadine or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially cold or allergy medications, erythromycin (E-mycin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking fexofenadine, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking fexofenadine.

Side Effects

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

• headache
• upset stomach