Why is Allegra prescribed?

Allegra relieves the itchy, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, red, watery eyes that come with hay fever. It is also used to relieve the itching and welts of hives. Allegra is a type of antihistamine that rarely causes drowsiness.

In addition to the antihistamine in Allegra, Allegra-D also contains the nasal decongestant pseudoephedrine.

How should this medicine be used?

Fexofenadine comes as a tablet and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken with water once or twice a day. Fexofenadine will work better if it is not taken with fruit juices such as orange, grapefruit, or apple juice. Take fexofenadine at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take fexofenadine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Fexofenadine controls the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis and urticaria but does not cure these conditions. Continue to take fexofenadine even if you feel well and are not experiencing these symptoms. If you wait too long between doses, your symptoms may become worse.

Shake the suspension well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

How should you take Allegra?

Take Allegra-D on an empty stomach with water. You can take regular Allegra with or without food. Allegra-D must be swallowed whole; do not chew or crush the tablet.

• If you miss a dose...
  Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

• Storage instructions...
  Store at room temperature. Protect blister packs from moisture.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Fexofenadine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• dizziness
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• pain in the arms, legs, or back
• pain
• pain during menstrual period
• cough

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• hives
• rash
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• difficulty swallowing or breathing

Fexofenadine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth

User Reviews

Comment from: 19-24 Female on Treatment for 1-2 years (Patient)
I didn't think i had allergies, but my doctor was really big on the study of the sinuses and he thought that everyone atleast at one time in their life had allergies. He retired and I got a new doctor. He asked me if i ever got up in the morning and had a sore throat. I said yes he said i probably have allergies and he put my on Allegra D. It made all the pressure in my sinuses go away! It makes me feel more awake and less hungry. I love it. I never have side effects unless I forgot to take it, then I feel tired that day and theres more pressure on my face. But i take it everyday and it helps. Published: December 30, 2007 ::

Comment from: Quiguen, 25-34 Female on Treatment for 10+ years (Patient)
I have used Allegra for a decade to control and minimize my system's allergic reaction to everything from trees to grasses and from cats to dogs and from mites to mildew-- I'm allergic to everything it seems at times! :-) Allegra 180 has been extremely effective for me, although I do supplement periodically with antihistimine eyedrops and/or a nasal steroid. That said, when pollen and ragweed counts rise drastically, Allegra helps immensely but does not relieve entirely my symptoms. Published: December 22, 2007 ::

Comment from: sharon, 55-64 Female on Treatment for less than 1 month (Patient)
After having persistent hives from an unkown cause, I started to take Allegra. Don't know why, but...immediately I found good results. Published: February 11, 2008 ::

Comment from: 55-64 Female on Treatment for 5-10 years (Patient)
I suffered for years with upper respiratory infections due to my chronic nasal drip set off by my allergies. This lead to my developing Asthma. Allegra is the only drug that stopped my nasal drip, without side affects, and since using it, I don't get upper respiratory infections at all. Published: October 30, 2007 ::