Allegra Side Effects

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Allegra, the brand name for fexofenadine, is an antihistamine used to treat seasonal allergies, also called hay fever or allergic rhinitis.[1] While patients taking Allegra may experience relief from allergies, they may also get unpleasant side effects such as upset stomach or headache.

One version of Allegra, Allegra-D, also contains the decongestant pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine has its own side effects, such as restlessness, weakness and trouble sleeping.[2] Both Allegra and Allegra-D are available over-the-counter (OTC).[3]

Allegra is used to treat the common symptoms of seasonal allergies such as sneezing, watery, itchy eyes; and itchy, runny nose. It also treats some symptoms of allergic skin reactions, including itchy raised areas, hives and rash.[1]




www.allegra.com
Brand name for Fexofenadine [1]
Manufacturer Chattem, operated by Sanofi-Aventis
Uses Eases seasonal allergy symptoms like stuffy nose and sneexing[1]
Common side effects Throwing up, headache [4]
Who should not take Allegra Children under six months of age[1]
Disclaimer The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician.
 

Contents

Common Allegra Side Effects

The most common side effects of Allegra are coughing, headache, dizziness, loose, runny stool, throwing up, pain in the limbs or back, and painful menstruation. More serious side effects that require medical attention are hives, rashy or itchy skin; trouble swallowing; breathing problems; swollen facial areas, hands, feet, or lower legs; and hoarseness in the throat.[1]

Common side effects of Allegra-D include the above, as well as weakness and restlessness. In severe cases, Allegra-D can cause insomnia, dizziness, pain in the stomach, changes in heartbeat (such as pounding), and breathing trouble.[2]

About Drug Side Effects

Side effects that can occur with drugs like Allegra

Allegra Allergic Reactions

Serious allergic reactions to Allegra are rare, but warrant immediate medical attention. Danger signs include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. In extreme cases, it is possible to go into anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal. This is true of Allegra and all other drugs.[5]

Allegra Precautions and Warnings

  • Allegra may not be fully absorbed if swallowed with orange, apple or grapefruit juices.[1]
  • Pseudoephedrine in Allegra -D is not safe for use with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.[2]
  • Pseudoephedrine in Allegra-D may not be safe for those with history of heart conditions, hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disease or glaucoma.[2]
  • Consuming caffeinated foods or beverages can exacerbate side effects of pseudoephedrine in Allegra-D.[2]
  • Allegra may not be suitable for users with a history of kidney disease.[1]
  • Any antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium are not to be taken within several hours of using Allegra.[1]
  • Allegra can interact with drugs like erythromycin and ketoconazole.[1]
  • Females who are pregnant or who are planning to conceive, as well as those who are nursing, are advised to consult a doctor before consuming any Allegra products.[1]
  • Allegra has the potential to be abused. This typically occurs with Allegra-D, when athletes take it in hopes that the psuedoephedrine will boost their athletic performance, or among those who use pseudoephedrine as a weight loss aid.[6]


Also See: Allegra Free Samples, Allegra Coupons, Patient Assistance Programs, Alavert Free Samples, Breathe Right Coupons, Benadryl Coupons, Zyrtec Free Samples, Omnaris Free Samples

References

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001008
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682619.html#side-effects
  3. http://www.allegra.com/Faq.aspx#four
  4. http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=8870#nlm34067-9
  5. http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-324-FEXOFENADINE+180MG+TABLET+-+ORAL.aspx?drugid=13821&drugname=Allegra
  6. http://cold.emedtv.com/pseudoephedrine/abuse-of-pseudoephedrine.html



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