Allegra-D

Generic name: fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine [ FEX-oh-FEN-a-deen-and-SOO-doe-ee-FED-rin ]
Brand names: Allegra-D 12 Hour, Allegra-D 24 Hour
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Aug 21, 2023.

What is Allegra-D?

Allegra-D contains a combination of fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine. Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Allegra-D is used to treat sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.

Allegra-D may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Do not use Allegra-D if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cough, cold, allergy, or sleep medicine. Antihistamines and decongestants are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine or decongestant.

Allegra-D may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Allegra-D.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use Allegra-D if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take Allegra-D if you have:

• kidney disease;

• glaucoma;

• heart disease or high blood pressure;

• diabetes;

• thyroid disorder; or

• bladder obstruction or other urination problems.

It is not known whether Allegra-D will harm an unborn baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.

Pseudoephedrine can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby. Ask a doctor before using Allegra-D if you are breast-feeding.

Do not give Allegra-D to a child without medical advice.

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, fluticasone nasal, montelukast, cetirizine, promethazine, Zyrtec

How should I take Allegra-D?

Use Allegra-D exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cold or allergy medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

Take Allegra-D on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Take this medicine only with water. Avoid fruit juice; especially orange, apple, or grapefruit juice. Fruit juice can make it harder for your body to absorb fexofenadine.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken a cold or allergy medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

one tablet (60 mg-120 mg) orally twice a day.
or
one tablet (180 mg-240 mg) orally once a day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

13 years or older:
one tablet (60 mg-120 mg) orally twice a day.
or
one tablet (180 mg-240 mg) orally once a day.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since cold or allergy medicine is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid

Do not take Allegra D with fruit juice (such as apple, orange, or grapefruit). These juices can make it harder for your body to absorb fexofenadine.

Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or after you take Allegra Do not use. Allegra D at the same time as antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold or allergy medicine. Many combination medicines contain pseudoephedrine. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this medicine.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of this medication.

Allegra-D side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Allegra-D: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Allegra-D and call your doctor at once if you have:

• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; or

• severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, tremors, or nervousness.

Common Allegra-D side effects may include:

• mild dizziness;

• dry mouth, nose, or throat;

• nausea; or

• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Allegra-D?

Taking Allegra-D with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking Allegra-D with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Allegra-D only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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