Allegra

Generic Name: fexofenadine (FEX oh FEN a deen)
Brand Names: Allegra, Allegra ODT

What is Allegra ODT (fexofenadine)?

Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Fexofenadine is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies (hay fever) in adults and children.

Fexofenadine is also used to treat skin itching and hives caused by a condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children.

Fexofenadine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Allegra ODT (fexofenadine)?

Before using fexofenadine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease.

Fruit juices and certain antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb fexofenadine. Take the disintegrating tablet on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

There may be other drugs that can affect fexofenadine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after you start taking fexofenadine. Never take more of the medication than your doctor has prescribed.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Allegra ODT (fexofenadine)?

Before using fexofenadine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether fexofenadine is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking fexofenadine, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether fexofenadine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Fexofenadine tablets and capsules may be used to treat seasonal allergy symptoms in children who are at least 6 years old. Fexofenadine oral suspension (liquid) may be used in children ages 2 through 11. When treating chronic idiopathic urticaria, the liquid may be used in children as young as 2 months old.

How should I take Allegra ODT (fexofenadine)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take the regular tablet with a full glass of water. Do not use any other type of liquid. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

To take fexofenadine orally disintegrating tablets (Allegra ODT):

• Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.

• Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.

• Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.

• Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Take the disintegrating tablet on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after you start taking fexofenadine. Never take more of the medication than your doctor has prescribed.

Store fexofenadine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine bottle tightly closed.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, dizziness, or drowsiness.

What should I avoid while taking Allegra ODT (fexofenadine)?

Avoid using antacids within 15 minutes before or after taking a medication that contains fexofenadine. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb this medication.

Do not take fexofenadine with fruit juice (such as apple, orange, or grapefruit).

Avoid taking any other cold or allergy medicines unless your doctor has told you to.

Allegra ODT (fexofenadine) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking fexofenadine and call your doctor if you have fever, chills, body aches, cough, or other flu symptoms.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach;

• menstrual cramps;

• drowsiness, tired feeling;

• headache; or

• muscle or back pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Allegra ODT (fexofenadine)?

Before taking fexofenadine, tell your doctor if you are also taking ketoconazole (Nizoral), or erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Erythrocin).

There may be other drugs that can interact with fexofenadine. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about fexofenadine.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Where can I buy fexofenadine hydrochloride?

You can buy fexofenadine hydrochloride by any brand name such as Allegra at any reputable online pharmacy.