The following information is a summary about Allegra. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
USES
This medication contains an antihistamine and decongestant used to relieve allergy symptoms such as itchy red eyes, stuffy nose and throat irritation.
DIRECTIONS
Take this medication by mouth on an
empty stomach 1 hour before or two hours after meals as directed, usually twice
daily. Taking this medicine with a high fat meal can decrease its effectiveness.
Do not take antacids containing aluminum and magnesium within 2 hours of taking
this medication. Swallow the medicine whole. Do not crush or chew the tablet,
and do not take more than prescribed. Do not take this product within 14 days
after stopping an MAO Inhibitor (see Drug Interactions).
PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your medical
history, including: allergies, kidney/urinary problems, enlarged prostate,
glaucoma (narrow angle), severe high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes,
thyroid problems (hyperthyroid). Limit alcohol intake, as it may aggravate drug
side effects. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during
pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. The pseudoephedrine
in this product is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding. Caution is advised when this product is used in the elderly
since this group may be more sensitive to side effects.
SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, stomach upset, trouble
sleeping, headache, or cold symptoms may occur. If these persist or worsen,
notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: dizziness,
mental/mood changes, fast heartbeat, fever. Tell your doctor immediately if any
of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fainting,
irregular heartbeat. Although drowsiness is very uncommon at usual doses under
normal circumstances, be aware that drowsiness may occur and may effect the
ability to perfom tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving). If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all
nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially: MAO
inhibitors (e.g., selegiline, furazolidone, phenelzine, tranylcypromine,
moclobemide, procarbazine, linezolid), certain blood pressure drugs (e.g.,
methyldopa, mecamylamine, reserpine, prazosin), digoxin, all adrenaline-like
drugs. Report other drugs which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such
as: dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, sparfloxacin, "water
pills" (diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide). Ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more details. Check the labels carefully on all nonprescription
products, such as cough-and-cold medicines which contain antihistamines and
decongestants. Consult your pharmacist. Do not take this medication for several
days before any allergy testing since test results can be affected. Do not start
or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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-up" the dose to catch up.
OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms
of overdose may include irregular or unusually slow or fast heartbeat, unusual
nervousness or excitement, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, and
seizures.
