What is Allegra?
Allegra is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine
in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery
eyes, and runny nose.Allegra is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal
allergies (hay fever) in adults and children.Allegra is also used to treat
skin itching and hives caused by a condition called chronic idiopathic
urticaria in adults and children.
Important information about Allegra
Before using Allegra, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs,
or if you have kidney disease.Fruit juices and certain antacids can make
it harder for your body to absorb Allegra. Take the disintegrating tablet
on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.There
may be other drugs that can affect Allegra. Tell your doctor about all
the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.
Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.Stop using
Allegra and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too
much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.Less
serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.Tell your doctor
if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after you start
taking Allegra. Never take more of the medication than your doctor has
prescribed.
Before taking Allegra
Before using Allegra, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs,
or if you have kidney disease.FDA pregnancy category C. This medication
may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether this
medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.
Do not use Allegra without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding
a baby. Allegra tablets and capsules may be used to treat seasonal allergy
symptoms in children who are at least 6 years old. Allegra oral suspension
(liquid) may be used in children ages 2 through 11. When treating chronic
idiopathic urticaria, the liquid may be used in children as young as 2
months old.
How should I take Allegra?
Take Allegra exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication
in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Follow the directions on your prescription label.Take this medicine with
a full glass of water. Do not use any other type of liquid. Shake the
oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure
you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon
or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a
dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for
your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next
regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed
dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much
of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, dizziness, or drowsiness.
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