Allegra Oral - FEXOFENADINE - ORAL

Uses
Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that provides relief of seasonal allergy symptoms such as runny or itchy nose, sneezing, itchy throat, and watery, itchy, or red eyes. It is also used for hives.

How to use Allegra Oral
Take fexofenadine by mouth usually twice a day or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking the suspension, shake the bottle well before use. Take the regular tablet or suspension form of this medication with or without food. If you are using the rapidly dissolving tablet, take it on an empty stomach. Remove the rapidly dissolving tablet from its foil pack immediately before taking and place the tablet on the tongue. It will dissolve quickly. You may swallow the dissolved medication with or without water.
Taking fexofenadine with apple, grapefruit, or orange juice may decrease the absorption of this drug. Try to avoid taking fexofenadine with these types of fruit juices. If possible, take this drug with water instead.
Antacids containing aluminum and magnesium can decrease the absorption of this drug. Do not take antacids within 2 hours of taking this medication.

Do not increase your dose or take this more often than directed. Dosage is based on your medical condition (e.g., kidney disease) and response to treatment. In children, dosage is also based on age.
Do not take this medication for several days before allergy testing since test results can be affected. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Before taking fexofenadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease.
Limit alcoholic beverages, as it may intensify drug side effects. (See also Side Effects.)
The rapidly dissolving tablet may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this drug safely.
Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: unusual drowsiness.

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 the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
The manufacturer of U.S. products recommends storage at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C). The manufacturer of Canadian products recommends storage at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Store away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

MEDICAL ALERT:
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854- 1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Stomach upset, menstrual cramps, back pain, cough, fever, stuffy nose, earache or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
This medication does not usually cause drowsiness when used at recommended doses and under normal circumstances. However, this drug may make you dizzy; therefore use caution engaging in activities that require alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: antacids containing aluminum and magnesium, St. John's wort.
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain additional antihistamines that could increase your risk for side effects. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.