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Allergy
Relief > Allegra
Allegra
Allegra-D®
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.
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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