GENERIC NAME: fexofenadine
and pseudoephedrine
BRAND NAME: Allegra-D
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Allegra-D is a combination of
an antihistamine (fexofenadine) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine).
Fexofenadine is a long- acting antihistamine that blocks
the actions of histamine which are responsible for some
of the symptoms of allergic reactions. It is one of a
few antihistamines that does not cause sedation. Pseudoephedrine
decongests by causing blood vessels to narrow thereby
preventing fluid from leaving the vessels and causing
the tissues to swell.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PRESCRIPTION: yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: fexofenadine 60 mg and pseudoephedrine
120 mg
STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature
between 15 and 30癈 (59-86癋).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Allegra-D is used for the temporary
relief of runny nose, sneezing, and nasal stuffiness
from the common cold. It also is used for the relief
of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of various allergic
conditions such as seasonal allergic rhinitis. Allegra-D
may be used in bronchitis or pharyngitis and for inflamed
and congested sinuses (sinusitis).
DOSING: Allegra-D is usually taken twice daily. Persons
with kidney disease and elderly persons may only need
to take one tablet per day. Allegra-D should be taken
without food. It must be used cautiously in patients
with heart (coronary artery) disease and angina, and
diabetes.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Allegra-D should not be taken with
monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor drugs such as phenelzine
(Nadril) and tranylcypromine (Parnate).
PREGNANCY: The decongestant pseudoephedrine causes
birth defects in some animal species. Additionally,
there have been associations between first trimester
exposure to these medications and malformations, though
the malformations have been primarily minor. Thus, Allegra-D
should be used in pregnancy only if the physician feels
that the potential benefit outweighs the risk.
NURSING MOTHERS: Pseudoephedrine is secreted in breast
milk. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers pseudoephedrine
to be compatible with nursing.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects of Allegra-D include stimulation
of the nervous system leading to nervousness, restlessness,
excitability, dizziness, headache, fear, anxiety, tremor,
and even hallucinations and convulsions (seizures).
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