| Allegra-DŽ
Important Note:
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for,
the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other
healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use
of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before using this drug.
Allegra Uses:
Allegra contains an antihistamine and decongestant used to
relieve allergy symptoms such as itchy red eyes, stuffy nose and throat
irritation.
How to Use Allegra:
Take Allegra by mouth on an empty stomach 1 hour before or two
hours after meals as directed, usually twice daily. Taking Allegra
with a high fat meal can decrease its effectiveness. Do not take
antacids containing aluminum and magnesium within 2 hours of taking
Allegra. Swallow Allegra whole. Do not crush or chew the tablet,
and do not take more than prescribed. Do not take Allegra within 14
days after stopping an MAO Inhibitor (see Drug Interactions).
Allegra Side Effects:
Nausea, stomach upset, trouble sleeping, headache, or cold symptoms may
occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely
but report promptly: dizziness, mental/mood changes, fast heartbeat,
fever. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but
very serious side effects occur: fainting, irregular heartbeat. Although
drowsiness is very uncommon at usual doses under normal circumstances,
be aware that drowsiness may occur and may effect the ability to perfom
tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving). If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Allegra Precautions:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies,
kidney/urinary problems, enlarged prostate, glaucoma (narrow angle),
severe high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems
(hyperthyroid). Limit alcohol intake, as it may aggravate drug side
effects. Allegra should be used only when clearly needed during
pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. The pseudoephedrine in
Allegra is excreted into breast milk. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when Allegra
is used in the elderly since this group may be more sensitive to side
effects.
Allegra Drug Interactions:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you
may use, especially: MAO inhibitors (e.g., selegiline, furazolidone,
phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide, procarbazine, linezolid),
certain blood pressure drugs (e.g., methyldopa, mecamylamine, reserpine,
prazosin), digoxin, all adrenaline-like drugs. Report other drugs which
affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide,
pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, sparfloxacin, "water
pills" (diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide). Ask
your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Check the labels carefully
on all nonprescription products, such as cough-and-cold medicines which
contain antihistamines and decongestants. Consult your pharmacist. Do
not take Allegra for several days before any allergy testing
since test results can be affected. Do not start or stop any medicine
without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Allegra Overdose:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include irregular
or unusually slow or fast heartbeat, unusual nervousness or excitement,
rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, and seizures.
Allegra Notes:
Do not share Allegra with others.
Missed Dose of Allegra:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the
time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Allegra Storage:
Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C)
away from sunlight and moisture.
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