Medications and Drugs
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°C (59-86°F).
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).
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 4/17/1999 10:29:00 PM
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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