Allegra

Allegra is an antihistamine. It is used to relieve the symptoms of allergies and hives (chronic idiopathic urticaria).

Antihistamines work by preventing the effects of histamines, which are produced by the body. Histamines can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes.

In some people, histamines can close up the bronchial tubes in the lungs, which makes breathing difficult. Histamines can cause some people to have hives, with severe itching of the skin.

Do not give any over the counter medications to a baby or child under 4 years of age. Using these medications in very young children may cause serious or life-threatening side effects.

This medication is only available with your doctor’s prescription.

This medication is available in the following forms:

• Tablet
• Disintegrating
• Capsule
• Suspension

As with all medicines, the risks must be compared to how much a medication will help you. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together.

For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:

• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Doxorubicin or to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.
• Pediatric: No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.Do not give any over the counter medications to a baby or child under 4 years of age. Using these medications in very young children may cause serious or life-threatening side effects.
• Geriatric: Up-to-date studies have not shown any problems specific to the elderly that would limit the use of this medication in the elderly population.
• Pregnancy: This medication is listed as Pregnancy Category C. This means that animal studies have shown an adverse effect and no studies have been performed on pregnant women OR there are no adequate studies on pregnant animals and pregnant women.
• Breastfeeding: Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used while breastfeeding.
• Drug Interactions: Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions.When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medications listed below. The following interactions were selected on the basis of potential significance and are not all-inclusive.Using this medication with any of the following medication is not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases.Your doctor may make the decision not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medications you take:

• • Eliglustat
  • Lomitapide
  • Nilotinib
  • Simeprevir
  • TocophersolanUsing this medication with any of the following medications may increase your risk of side effects. However, using both medications may be the best treatment for you.If both medications are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you take one or both medications:

• • Aluminum Carbonate, Basic
  • Aluminum Hydroxide
  • Aluminum Phosphate
  • Dihydroxyaluminum Aminoacetate
  • Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate
  • Magaldrate
  • Magnesium Carbonate
  • Magnesium Hydroxide
  • Magnesium Oxide
  • Magnesium Trisilicate
  • St John's Wort
• Other Interactions: Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in the case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medications may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.Using this medication with any of the following is not normally recommended, but may be unavoidable. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you take your medication or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol or tobacco:

• • Apple Juice
  • Grapefruit Juice
  • Orange Juice
• Other Medical Problems: Pre-existing medical problems may affect the use of this medication.Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• • Kidney Disease - Use with caution. The effects may be increased due to the slower removal of the medication from the body.
  • Phenylketonuria - Use with caution. The orally disintegrating tablets contain Phenylalanine.

Always take Allegra with water. Do not take it with juice.

Do NOT take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium hydroxide within 15 minutes of taking this medication. If you are uncertain about this, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

For patients using the oral disintegration form of this medication:

• Make sure your hands are dry.
• Do not push the tablet through the foil of the package. Gently peel back the foil and remove the tablet.
• Place the tablet on top of the tongue. Do not chew or break the tablet.
• The tablet will dissolve in seconds and you can swallow it. You can drink a glass of water after the tablet has dissolved.
• Always take the tablet on an empty stomach.

Shake the liquid form well before using. Measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe or medicine cup.

Dosing

Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication.

The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication.

The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.

For Allergies:

• Capsules/Tablets:
  • Adults and children 12 years of age and older - 60 mg twice a day or 180 mg once a day.
  • Children 6-11 years of age - 30 mg twice a day.
  • Children 4-6 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor
  • Children under 4 years of age - Use is not recommended.
• Disintegrating Tablets:
  • Children 6-11 years of age - 30mg twice a day on an empty stomach.
  • Children 4-6 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor
  • Children under 4 years of age - Use is not recommended.
• Suspension:
  • Children 4-11 years of age - 30 mg or 5 mL twice a day.
  • Children under 4 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For Chronic Hives:

• Capsules/Tablets:
  • Adults and children 12 years of age and older - 60 mg twice a day or 180 mg once a day.
  • Children 4-11 years of age - 30 mg twice a day.
  • Children under 4 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• Disintegrating Tablets:
  • Children 4-11 years of age - 30 mg twice a day on an empty stomach.
  • Children under 4 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• Suspension:
  • Children 4-11 years of age - 30 mg or 5 mL twice a day.
  • Children 6 months to 4 years of age - 15 mg or 2.5 mL twice a day.
  • Children younger than 6 months of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose.

Storage

Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze. Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of any medication you do not use.

It is very important that your doctor checks in with you often while you are receiving Allegra to make sure that it is working properly.

Allegra may produce unwanted effects along with the intended effects. Although not all of these side-effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Chest tightness
• Feeling of warmth, redness of the face, neck, arms and upper chest
• Large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet or sex organs
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Some side effects that may occur do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment. Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Talk to your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome, or if you have questions:

More Common

• Vomiting

Less Common

• Back pain
• Body aches or pain
• Chills
• Coughing
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty moving
• Dizziness
• Ear congestion
• Earache
• Fever
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Loss of voice
• Muscle aching or cramping
• Muscle pains or stiffness
• Nasal congestion
• Nausea
• Pain in arms or legs
• Pain or tenderness around eyes or cheekbones
• Painful menstrual bleeding
• Redness or swelling in ear
• Ringing or buzzing in ears
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Stomach upset
• Swollen joints
• Unusual fatigue or weakness
• Viral infection (such as cold and flu)

Rare

• Nervousness
• Rash
• Sleeplessness
• Terrifying dreams
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any other side effects.

Ask your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.