Allegra is an H1-receptor antagonist indicated for the following:
- Relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients ≥ 2 years of age
- Treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria in patients ≥ 6 months of age.
Before you have any skin tests for allergies, tell the doctor in charge that you are taking Allegra. The results of the test may be affected by Allegra.
When taking Allegra on a regular basis, make sure your doctor knows if you are taking large amounts of aspirin at the same time (as for arthritis or rheumatism). Effects of too much aspirin, such as ringing in the ears, may be covered up by the Allegra.
Allegra will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using Allegra .
Allegra may cause some people to become drowsy or less alert than they are normally. Even if taken at bedtime, it may cause some people to feel drowsy or less alert on arising. Make sure you know how you react to Allegra before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert .
Allegra may cause dryness of the mouth, nose, and throat. For temporary relief of mouth dryness, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.
An excessive dose of any medicine can have serious consequences. Seek medical attention whenever an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of Allegra overdose may include:
- Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth
Adults and Children 12 Years and Older
For hay fever, the usual dosage is 60 milligrams twice a day or 180 milligrams once a day. For hives, it’s 60 milligrams twice a day. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may have you take only one 60-milligram dose daily.
Children 6 through 11 years old
For hay fever or hives, the usual dosage is 30 milligrams twice a day. Children with kidney problems may be prescribed only one 30-milligram dose each day.
Adults and Children 12 Years and Older
12-Hour Tablets: Take 1 tablet twice a day. People with kidney problems should take only 1 tablet daily.
24-Hour Tablets: Take 1 tablet once a day. Allegra-D 24-hour tablets should generally not be taken by people with kidney problems.
Allegra-D is not recommended for children less than 12 years old.
The effects of Allegra during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known whether Allegra appears in breast milk. If the drug is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop nursing until your treatment is finished.
Check with your doctor before combining Allegra with erythromycin or ketoconazole. These drugs may increase Allegra’s effects.
Allow a little time between a dose of Allegra and antacids such as Maalox that contain aluminum and magnesium. This type of antacid can decrease Allegra’s effects.
Allegra-D should never be taken within 2 weeks of using an MAO-inhibitor drug such as the antidepressants isocarboxazid, phenelzine sulfate, and tranylcypromine sulfate. Also check with your doctor before combining it with the following:
Mecamylamine
Methyldopa
Reserpine
You should also avoid Allegra-D if you have a pacemaker and take digoxin. And you should not combine it with over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants.
Allegra-D should not be taken with fruit juices; combining the two can induce wheals (small itchy swellings) and rash-like symptoms.
Use Allegra-D with caution if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, increased pressure in the eyes, prostate problems, or hyperthyroidism. Stop using it and check with your doctor if it causes nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness.
Some of the inactive ingredients in Allegra-D tablets may show up in your stools; this is normal and nothing to worry about.
If Allegra or Allegra-D gives you an allergic reaction, avoid it in the future. Do not give either product to children under 6.
Do not take Allegra-D if you have glaucoma, urination problems, or severe high blood pressure or heart disease. Also avoid taking Allegra-D within 2 weeks of using an MAO-inhibitor drug such as Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate.
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Allegra.
- Side effects of Allegra may include:
Colds or flu, coughing, drowsiness, fatigue, fever, headache, indigestion, menstrual problems, nausea, pain including back or ear pain
- Side effects of Allegra-D may include:
Abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, back pain, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, heart palpitations, indigestion, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, respiratory tract infection, throat irritation
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.
