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fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine, Allegra-D

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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: no

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

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