This medicine
is an antihistamine and decongestant
combination that is used to relieve
symptoms of seasonal allergies
such as watery or itchy eyes,
runny nose, itchy throat, sneezing,
and stuffy nose (nasal congestion).
Allegra Directions?
Follow the directions
for using this medicine provided by your doctor.
This medicine is usually taken by mouth twice
daily. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush,
or chew before swallowing. Take this medicine
on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before
or 2 hours after eating. High-fat meals may
decrease the absorption of the medicine into
your bloodstream. DO NOT TAKE ANTACIDS (CONTAINING
ALUMINUM OR MAGNESIUM) within 2 hours of taking
this medicine. These antacids may decrease
the absorption of this medicine. STORE THIS
MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed
container, away from heat, moisture, and light.
IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take
it as soon as possible. If it is almost time
for your next dose, skip the missed dose and
go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do
NOT take 2 doses at once.
Allegra Side Effects?
SIDE EFFECTS, that may
go away during treatment, include nausea,
stomach upset, trouble sleeping, headache,
dizziness, nervousness, or dry mouth. If they
continue or are bothersome, check with your
doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if
you experience unusually fast/irregular heartbeat,
or uncontrolled shaking or tremor. CONTACT
YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience
any serious but unlikely side effects including
seizures, chest pain, mental or mood changes.
AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE is unlikely,
but seek immediate medical attention if it
occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include
rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness,
trouble breathing. If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse,
or pharmacist.
Allegra Warnings?
DO NOT INCREASE YOUR
DOSE or take more of this medicine than prescribed
without checking with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE
MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE
MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD
BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react
to this medicine. LIMIT ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
while taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE
MAY INTERFERE with allergy test results. Check
with your doctor for instruction on how long
you will need to stop taking this medicine
prior to those tests. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING
ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter,
check with your doctor or pharmacist. This
includes any medicines which contain diet
or appetite control medicines, antihistamines,
or decongestants. Ask your pharmacist about
the safe use of these medicines. CAUTION IS
ADVISED WHEN THIS MEDICINE IS USED IN THE
ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive
to the effects of the medicine.
For women: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING
PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits
and risks of using this medicine during
pregnancy. ONE OF THE INGREDIENTS IN THIS
MEDICINE (PSEUDOEPHDRINE) IS EXCRETED IN
BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking
this medicine.
Allegra Drug Interactions?
Do not take Allegra
close to a dose of an antacid that contains
aluminum or magnesium such as Rolaids, Maalox,
Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid Complete,
and others. These antacids may decrease the
effects of Allegra.
Allegra Missed Dose?
Take the missed dose
as soon as you remember. However, if it is
almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only the next regularly scheduled
dose. Do not take a double dose of
this medication.
Allegra Storage?
Store it at room temperature
away from sunlight and moisture. Keep this
and all medications out of the reach of children.
Anything Else I Should
Know About Allegra?
Allegra is an antihistamine.
Antihistamines work against the naturally
occurring chemical histamine in your body.
Allegra is used to prevent sneezing, runny
nose, itching and watering of the eyes, and
other allergic symptoms.
NOTE: The above
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 the use of the product is safe,
appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before taking
the product.
