ALLEGRA-D DRUG INFO
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.
FEXOFENADINE-PSEUDOEPHEDRINE EXTENDED RELEASE - ORAL
(fex-oh-FEN-uh-deen WITH sue-doh-eff-ED-rin)
COMMON BRAND
NAME(S): Allegra D
USES: This medication contains an
antihistamine and decongestant used to relieve allergy symptoms such as
itchy red eyes, stuffy nose and throat irritation.
HOW TO
USE: Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach 1 hour before
or two hours after meals as directed, usually twice daily. Taking this
medicine with a high fat meal can decrease its effectiveness. Do not take
antacids containing aluminum and magnesium within 2 hours of taking this
medication. Swallow the medicine whole. Do not crush or chew the tablet,
and do not take more than prescribed. Do not take this product within 14
days after stopping an MAO Inhibitor (see Drug Interactions).
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.
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. This medication should be used only when
clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor. The pseudoephedrine in this product is excreted into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when this
product is used in the elderly since this group may be more sensitive to
side effects.
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 this medication 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.
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.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: 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.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68 and
77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from sunlight and moisture.
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