Allegra (Fexofenadine)

Allegra is an antihistamine used to treat allergies such as hay fever. http://products.sanofi-aventis.us/allegra/allegra.html Symptoms of seasonal allergies include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes.http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/allergy-and-asthma/articles/2009/05/01/seasonal-allergy-symptoms-6-ways-to-prevent-or-treat-them.html Allegra works by blocking histamines in the body which cause allergy symptoms when a sufferer comes into contact with an allergen.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001008 Allegra can be used by adults and children from age two and older.http://products.sanofi-aventis.us/allegra/allegra.html

Fexofenadine also appears to have some anti-inflammatory effects, and is used to treat chronic idiopathic urticartia.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12575922 This condition is one in which sufferers experience daily or near daily skin rashes. The causes of chronic idiopathic urticartia are unknown, though it may be linked to an autoimmune disorder.http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/461843

As with any drug, side effects of Allegra can be mild or severe, and the drug manufacturer suggests users notify their doctors if mild side effects become severe or occur daily or if any of the severe side effects occur at all. Side effects are as follows:

Mild side effects

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Arm, leg, or back pain
• Menstrual pain
• Other pain
• Cough

Serious Side Effects

• Hives
• Rash
• Itching
• Difficulty Breathing
• Swelling in the face, throat, tongue, eyes, or lips
• Swelling in the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowinghttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001008

Allegra has been shown to have an adverse interaction with some antacids and Erythromycin and Ketoconazole. It is also less effective when taken with certain fruit juices. As a category C medication, it is not known whether Allegra will cause problems during pregnancy, but as with any drug, harm may occur. The drug manufacturer also advises caution for mothers who are breastfeeding, as it is not known whether the drug is excreted through breast milk. http://products.sanofi-aventis.us/allegra/allegra.html

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.